The Leon S. Peters Honors Program at Fresno City College, founded in 1987, is looking for students who strive for excellence. The main goal of the program is to provide a higher educational experience to academically outstanding students as well as give local students the opportunity to be accepted to different universities around the state of California.

“The Honors Program gives students a challenging experience,” said Wayne Cole, coordinator of the Honors Program. He said students who are interested can be part of the program, regardless of their major.

  When the Honors Program first started in 1987, there were 25 students. The program has successfully grown since then. Today, there are about 200 to 300 students enrolled in the Honors Program at FCC.

  To enroll in the program, students must meet many qualifications. First, a prospective student must submit an application, including high school or college transcripts and two letters of recommendations. Applicants must also write an essay explaining their experiences and achievements.

  Two Honors Professors then evaluate the applications and decide who qualifies. “Most of them are accepted since they do turn in everything we ask for,” said Wayne Cole.

  Among the many benefits of being part of the Honors program priority registration, scholarship advising and opportunities. Other perks are special counseling and guidance throughout the year. Most importantly, honors classes are specially designated in the college transcript.   The Honors Program gives students priority acceptance to any University of California.

  A student who completes a minimum of 17 units from Honors courses with a GPA of 3.2 or higher is awarded a Certificate of Honors.

“The difference between normal courses and an honors course is that classes [Honors] are smaller and challenging,” said Cole. Honors classes are the same in length as any other class. They are offered throughout the day in the morning and evening times.

  Any FCC student can enroll in an honors class without having to be part of the program, but students enrolled in the program get first priority. The Honors Program is looking for current students to join. Students who are interested can obtain more information by contacting Wayne Cole or visit www.fresnocitycollege.edu to obtain more information and download an application.

“I encourage anyone that is interested to turn in an application,” said Wayne Cole. “It’s a great experience to be part of the program.”