HONORS PROGRAM Redefines access
T
rue to the college’s access mission,
the GGC Honors Program minimiz-
es barriers for students wishing to join.
The GGC Honors Program provides a
distinguished, integrated educational ex-
Qualified students who are interested in the GGC Honors Program are able to try out one of the program’s project-based classes before joining. One such student is Ayanna Henderson, ’20, psychology, shown here preparing to present a demonstration using a robot she built from scratch, including welding and programming, during an Honors Program course.
perience that enables high-performing students to enjoy a rich variety of experiences that challenge them academically, develop their creativity, enhance their leadership skills and foster within them an abiding commitment to civic engagement.
With about 200 members, the pro-
gram’s benefits include special courses, seminars, field trips, guest speakers, learning communities, workshops,
lunch-n-learn events, cultural events,
project-based service learning, mentoring, advising and more.
Like programs at other institutions,
the GGC Honors Program requires that
prospective members have a high grade point average (GPA) and complete an
application that includes an essay and
details about extracurricular activities. That is where the similarity ends.
“Many programs automatically admit
members based on GPA and test scores,” said Dr. Jennifer Wunder, director of
the GGC Honors Program. “We look at students more holistically. Ours is
one of only a few programs that inter-
I
Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege
possible at other colleges.
GGC’s program requires a 3.5 GPA,
views applicants.”
but it has no ACT/SAT test score
members as incoming freshmen or after
tions charge a program fee as high as
Other schools’ programs only accept
one semester.
“This type of policy omits transfer
requirements. And while many institu$500, there is no cost for GGC’s members. This creative approach established
students, those returning to college after a
GGC’s Honors Program as uniquely
said Wunder. “This doesn’t meet GGC’s
of its members started college with learn-
break or those who improve their GPA,” access mission. We wanted as many
qualified students as possible to benefit from our program, so we aligned its re-
quirements with the characteristics of our student body.”
Students may join the GGC Honors
Program at any time, as long as they have
accessible. As a result, about 25 percent ing support courses. About 11 percent are of non-traditional college age. The
program membership also reflects the
ethnic diversity of the college’s student
body, Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta region.
“It is very rewarding to see our mem-
at least four semesters remaining before
bers grow through our activities, knowing
enough time to benefit from membership.
such an opportunity elsewhere,” Wunder
graduation, which ensures they have
If life circumstances require them to leave college for a while, they may rejoin the
20
program when they return. This is not
that many of them would not have had said. “That’s what GGC is all about.”
