Willow International

Honors Program

An Enhanced Educational ExperienceFor

University Preparation

The Honors Program is an opportunity for

excellent students to challenge themselves and prepare themselves for university and professional experiences.

Students take a minimum of two honors courses each semester with a cohort of their peers

Courses include subjects across the curriculum: English, Art, Engineering, History, Psych, Poli Sci, Philosophy, Math, Communication.

Description

Students must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or

better, placement in the top 25% of their high school class, and a letter of recommendation.

Students submit a letter of introduction that explains their goals.

Three faculty members review the files and choose students to join the program based on academic achievement and potential. This year, we have accepted 60 students out of about 100 applications.

Eligibility

56% of the Honors students are minority students. Diversity extends beyond the usual

measurements: in a recent English 1A Honors class, there were 7 separate religious traditions represented, and students often are first generation Americans and are often bilingual.

96% are full time students Average Honors GPA at Willow International is

3.56. 96% of Honors students are successful in their

classes, and retention is 100% for most classes.

Demographics

Courses offer enhanced and challenging

opportunities that integrate material across the curriculum. For example, Critical Thinking classes offered this Spring semester will include “Bioethics” and “The Science of Learning.”

The Honors seminars include such topics as “Legends of the Early American West,” and “Syrian Geography and Politics,” which will be taught by two different instructors.

Class examples

Students are part of a cohort of talented, committed

students. Students are eligible to apply for special Honors

scholarships, which are presented at a reception. Students have opportunities to present programs. For

example, the Oxford Style Debate is presented by one of the English 3 Critical Thinking classes. A recent Honors Seminar presented a public exhibit that combined art and science.

Students are prepared for the university experience, and their transcript clearly indicates their honors credits.

Benefits to Students

Spring orientation meeting when each student meets

with a counselor for a first-semester plan Summer individual counseling for SEP directed

toward the university destination of choice One-on-one counseling throughout their time in the

honors program Constant communication via email regarding

university application deadlines, transfer admission guarantees, clubs on campus, etc.

Continuing assistance with academic counseling Assistance in applying to universities.--Recognition of university acceptances

The counseling component

The Fall 2011 cohort began with approximately 45 students.

Approximately 40 of the 45 students are transferring Fall 2013. The majority of the students were accepted to all the Universities they applied to. Listed below are some of the Universities they will be attending.

UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, Santa Clara University, CSU Monterey Bay, UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, San Jose State University, CSU Fresno

Some of the students’ majors consisted of the following: Biology (Pre Med emphasis), Graphic Arts, Film/Media, Health Science, Nursing, Engineering, Communication, Business Administration, Psychology, Mathematics

Students were also involved in numerous clubs and held leadership roles

Fall 2011 Cohort - Data

“I have been extremely honored and privileged to be a part of

Willow International’s Honors Program for the past two years.” Allison Go UC Irvine Health

“Truly it has been privilege to be a part of the Honors Program at Willow International Community College Center. Being the first member of my entire family to attend college has been a huge stepping stone in my life. Being a part of the Honors Program has truly been one of my greatest experiences. The Honors Program gave me the opportunity to not just absorb knowledge, but also ask and pursue my own questions.” Anaccelly Hernandez current student

“I’m proud to say that I completed the Honors Program at Willow International and will never forget how it has benefited me.” Tyler Wong UC Riverside Film

Quotes from Honors Students

“The Oxford Debate was one of the best experiences I’ve had

with the Honors Program…The Honors English courses that I have taken have provided me with skills that I will take with me as I leave Willow International. My writing skills have also improved vastly.” Monezza Mian UCLA Biology

“The Honors Program has helped me mature both academically and socially. I would not be where I am now if it had not been for the Honors Program. I could not be more excited to start the next chapter in my life!” Emily Walker UCSB AA-T Psychology Degree

“My aspiration of becoming a doctor has paved the way for my academic journey. My decision to attend a community college right after high school was, in fact, the best decision I made. Attending Willow International, as a member of the Honors Program, allowed me to grow as a student, a leader, and an individual.” Kinza Sultan Biology UCLA

Fall 2011 CohortRecognition Ceremony