ACTC receives second Honors in Action grant
November 22, 2022
ASHLAND, Ky. – The ACTC Alpha Omega Gamma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is pleased to announce the group has received a $1,000 research grant for PTK’s Honors in Action project for a second year in a row.
Honors in Action (HIA) combines academic research, problem solving, and action-oriented service to address real-world challenges in our communities.
ACTC’s project is titled “Playing in the Past to Prepare for the Future,” tying into the theme of the “Nostalgia of the Art and Science of Play” set by PTK international.
According to Janet Thompson, PTK advisor, members began the project by researching how play affects the growth and development of community college students and helps college student develop important skills for the job market such as problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
“Living in a post-COVID world has dampened the connection of college students, as many classes and services moved to a completely online format,” said Thompson. “Our students devised a project for their peers to do a virtual scavenger hunt using the learning platform of Blackboard to get students to visit interesting landmarks in Ashland, KY to learn about the local history and nostalgia the city has to offer while interacting with each other to build a learning community.”
The scavenger hunt focuses on the following landmarks in Ashland: Paramount Arts Center, Port of Ashland, Art Alley, Central Park Mounds, and The Highlands Museum and Discovery Center.
The Highlands Museum has made a special partnership with ACTC to offer students a free one-day pass to visit the museum during the dates of November 28, 2022 to January 13, 2023.
Students will complete tasks related to these locations such as snapping photographs, selfies and answering questions, which will all be submitted in Blackboard.
Each task completed earns points for the student which will be used to gain opportunities to win one of the many door prizes offered, including gift certificates to local businesses and gift baskets as well as a $250 scholarship for the spring 23 term, donated by the ACTC Foundation.
This year’s project continues a partnership with the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, which is delighted to offer an opportunity for ACTC students to visit the museum and delve into Ashland culture.
"This marvelous project plays right into the Museum’s mission to provide avenues of discovery for visitors of all ages. We're keenly aware of the power of play, for everyone, and are proud of our on-going partnership with ACTC and honored to be included in this initiative,” said Kim Jenkins, Executive Director for the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center.
More information on the virtual scavenger hunt will be announced to students later in November. For any other questions contact Janet.Thompson@kctcs.edu.
