As summer begins and students are imagining their future educational goals, the fifth episode of Education Chat featuring host Natalie Hinton answers the question: “What exactly is a college Honors Program, and should YOU join?”. Natalie spends the episode chatting with members and faculty apart of the College Honors Institute at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California. She meets with Judy Cannon, the Honors Coordinator, to discuss the requirements and benefits that a student can experience as part of the program. To gain a student perspective, Natalie chats with Ricky De La Cruz, a student Honors Ambassador apart of the program studying sociology. He discusses how the program shaped his community college experience, and how it will shape his future. The last interview features Amr Bahjri, an alumni of the Crafton Hills Honors Institute and a current student enrolled at UC Riverside majoring in biology.

Similar to Honors and AP classes provided in high schools, these Honors Programs found in universities and community colleges across the Inland Empire are established with a focus on providing highly motivated students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements with the opportunity to participate in a program that challenges and deepens a student’s academics. Depending on the college, honors programs can feature smaller classes, priority admission/registration, exclusive connections, and research opportunities.

This episode is not just for future higher education students who are weighing the possibility of joining an Honors Program, but also for parents, educators, and those who are curious on how these institutes support and encourage a college student. These programs are becoming more prevalent in the Inland Empire everyday, and this episode will leave you with thorough understanding and knowledge regarding what these Honors Institutions have to offer.

Stay tuned on the last Wednesday of every month for the next installment of Education Chat!