The Honors Experience at NECC, which started in 1998, has recently gained popularity and momentum, and is becoming a jewel in the college’s crown. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for the most highly motivated and talented students to enroll in honors courses and complete honors projects.

Now in its 13th year, the program is receiving a lot of attention.

This is due, in part, to the increased popularity of community colleges nationwide. “The students we see coming in are highly motivated academically,” said Ginger Hurajt, Honors Experience coordinator.

Jessica Dick is one such student. A 2009 honors graduate of Central Catholic High School, she was attracted to the college by its price tag and to the honors program because of its educational intensity.

The Honors Experience is challenging. To be considered, first year students must have maintained a B+ average and graduated in the top 25 percent of their class. They must commit to completing two honors projects, participate in an honors community service project, enroll in the Honors Colloquium earning at least
a B average, maintain a 3.3 GPA, and earn at least a B in designated honors courses.

“Honors students receive an honors notation on their transcripts,” says Ginger. That impresses transfer colleges and employers. There is also an honors scholarship available and we find our Honors Experience grads receive generous scholarships from transfer colleges and universities.”

One of the most compelling arguments for enrolling in the honors program is that upon completion, students can transfer into the honors program at any Massachusetts state college or university. Massachusetts is the only state in the country with a statewide honors program titled the Commonwealth Honors College.

Jessica will transfer to UMass Boston this fall to complete her four year degree.