Each year Onondaga Community College's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa works on an Honors In Action project. Students research a societal issue, then put their research into action to help solve the problem.
This year's focus is racial inequities in Syracuse. Students researched the impact of racism in the city and larger society, then began putting their research into action. They worked to combat injustices in several ways including an educational campaign to help community members understand more about microaggressions and ways to support Black-owned businesses. "They also focused on understanding the connection between racial inequality and poverty which is a huge issue in our community," said PTK Faculty Advisor Dr. Annie Tuttle. "Our students wanted to find a way to help children in need, especially in majority Black and Brown communities in Syracuse."
Dr. Tuttle reached out to a friend who teaches at Syracuse's Dr. Weeks Elementary School where 80% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The timing was perfect. Earlier that day the Community School Director had put out a call for much-needed items to help families and children at the school.
Students in OCC's PTK chapter held a campus-wide donation drive. They collected over six carloads of household items, hygiene products, and food items for families. The chapter also received a grant through PTK, fundraised in the community, and purchased 130 Thanksgiving dinners for families in need. As part of the Honors In Action project students also delivered 96 winter hats and 96 pairs of gloves to "Rise Above The Streets," an organization which helps the homeless in Syracuse.
