Clark & PTK Help Students Thrive on Every Level

A new school year at Clark means introducing a new cohort of students to the supports and resources we’ve developed over our 90 years as a college. We’re always looking for new ways to make student journeys easier, whether it’s offering free food or creating clearer career pathways.

One important resource on campus is Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a respected international honor society for two-year colleges. Clark College’s chapter—a top 100 chapter out of 1,247 chapters—has a track record of helping students make friends, get scholarships, transfer to four-year schools, and achieve their goals.

PTK is Community Support. Students who join PTK at Clark join a community of other determined students. They meet up to study and commiserate about the challenges of school, have opportunities to join leadership training, and lead community service activities such as school supply drives.

PRK International also offers material support to members, distributing up to $90 million in scholarships. Clark students regularly bring home national recognition and scholarships.

The Advisors Who Change Lives. PTK at Clark College wouldn’t make such an impact without the dedication of their advisor, Darci Feider, and other staff members who donate time and support. Feider is extremely busy as Senior Executive to the President but takes time to plan events and offer wisdom to students.

One PTK member, Mary Chavez, credits Feider as the person who’s had the biggest impact on her student journey. “It’s just nice, someone seeing the hard work that you put out there… If I talk myself out of applying for a job she’s like “Oh, no, no, no you can definitely do that. You should apply.””

Feider is focused on the students. At an induction ceremony in March, Feider said “Phi Theta Kappa is all about recognition… we recognize people for being scholars, for their achievements, and for being a part of our community.”

Clark Students Defy the Odds. The stories of Clark’s PTK members are examples of how a supportive community and material support at the college level empowers student dreams.

Gurraj Singh Dhami, a 2025 graduate of Prairie High School and Clark College, was named the 2025–2026 recipient of the Community College President’s Scholarship Award, a scholarship for full tuition at Washington State University Vancouver. Dhami balanced college coursework, multiple jobs, and extensive volunteer commitments—all while serving as the ASCC President. Dhami has aspirations to become a doctor and expand access to healthcare in rural communities.

Beheshta Eqbali was named a PTK Visual Arts Award recipient for her painting Afghan Girl, which represents her deep connection to Afghan culture. In January, her work was published in the 30th edition of Nota Bene, Phi Theta Kappa’s honors anthology, and she received a $500 scholarship. Eqbali balances her creative life by studying web development. She graduated in June with an associate degree in applied technology.

Seth Stigall Barranco represented Clark College as a member of the prestigious All-Washington Academic Team, PTK’s statewide program that honors high-achieving students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. He helped to start a new club for video game design and organized an event for MESA students while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average. A first-generation college student, he graduated with an associate degree in computer science and will join the first cohort of Clark’s Bachelor of Science in computer science program this fall.

Anton Vlasov was also a member of PTK’s All-Washington Academic Team. Vlasov and his family left Ukraine to seek safety from the war when Russian rockets leveled the apartment building next door, leading him to enroll at Clark College. At 40 years old, he maintained a 3.81 grade point average and graduated with an associate’s degree in computer and information sciences. Next, he plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in cybersecurity at Clark with a goal of working as a cybersecurity analyst.

PTK Embodies Clark College’s Mission. Clark students come to campus with stories of perseverance and purpose, and we provide the tools and support they need to turn their goals into reality. As a catalyst for that transformation, Clark is proud to serve a student community in Southwest Washington as diverse and dynamic as the region itself.