Honors Program | HCC

HCC Honors Program

Fostering Intellectual Curiosity and Individual Growth

What is an Honors Program?

Honors Programs recruit motivated students who want to get the most out of their college education by taking challenging courses and by working with faculty mentors on creative, individualized projects.

The Honors Program at Henderson Community College
provides students the opportunity to develop their intellectual curiosity and encourages them to establish ambitious learning and career goals. Through special honors courses, honors sections of general education courses, and activities outside the classroom, students in the Honors Program can enhance their educational experience.

Henderson Community College is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council.

What are the benefits of joining the HCC Honors Program?

Students admitted to the Honors Program will receive 

  • Scholarship support for up to four semesters
  • Honors recognition at graduation
  • Honors designation on transcripts
  • Opportunity to work closely with faculty inside and outside the classroom
  • Opportunity for in-depth and interdisciplinary study of subjects
  • Opportunity to work closely with a group of equally motivated students
  • Assisted transfer into Honors programs at select four-year institutions

 

Can I join the HCC Honors Program?

Admission into the Honors Program at Henderson Community College is selective, not guaranteed. Students who are interested in becoming part of the program should provide the appropriate information.

The Honors Program Committee will consider the following in deciding your admission to the program as an Entering High School Student:

  • ACT Scores: A composite score of 24 or higher is the benchmark, but a score below 24 may be balanced by other considerations (Applicants must be exempt from developmental coursework.)
  • High school GPA: 3.4 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is the benchmark, but a lower GPA may be balanced by other considerations
  • A letter of reference from someone who can speak to your interest in learning, your intellectual curiosity, or your leadership potential
  • Either an interview with representatives of the Honors Program Committee or a letter to the committee that tells of your academic interests and explains your interest in the HCC Honors Program

The Honors Program Committee will consider the following in deciding your admission to the program as a Current HCC student or Transfer student:

  • GPA on at least 12 college credit hours: 3.5 or higher is the benchmark, but a lower GPA may be balanced by other considerations (Applicants must have completed any developmental coursework.)
  • A letter of reference from one of your college instructors who can speak to your interest in learning, your intellectual curiosity, or your leadership potential
  • Either an interview with representatives of the Honors Program Committee or a letter to the committee that tells of your academic interests and explains your interest in the HCC Honors Program

Students with questions about their eligibility should speak with the Director of the Honors Program for further information.


What is expected of students in the HCC Honors Program?


Students admitted to the Honors Program

  • Enroll in at least 6 credit hours of college classes each semester
  • Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Complete FYE 105-HON during the first semester in the program
  • Complete HNR 101 during the first year in the program
  • Complete an additional 12 credit hours of Honors classes prior to completing their degree
  • Engage in campus or community activities each semester at HCC to provide service and leadership. Appropriate activities will be planned in consultation with the Honors Program Director


How do I apply to the program?

Interested students should first complete the HCC application and then complete and submit the electronic Honors Program application using the links in the checklist below. Current ACT scores and transcripts are required.

Students are also required to provide a letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to their potential as an honors student. First-time freshmen may choose any appropriate person as a reference; current HCC students must provide a letter from an HCC faculty member; transfer students must provide a letter from a former college instructor.

Application Checklist:

  1. Entering high school students must first complete the application for Henderson Community College, submit current ACT scores to the college, and submit high school transcripts.  Current HCC students may start at step 2.
  2. Submit the electronic application for the Honors Program.
  3. Provide a reference. Download the reference file and either send it electronically to the person you have chosen as a reference or print out the form for your reference. That person should have knowledge of your academic and personal character and be able to provide information on three of these qualities: your intellectual curiosity, creativity, task commitment, leadership potential, and desire to serve the community.


You can apply at any time.  Review of applications is ongoing.


How can I get more information?

Please contact:
Kara Becker
Associate Professor
Honors Program Director
Henderson Community College
2660 S. Green St.
Henderson, KY 42420
270-831-9793