Howard Community College

the hallmark of HCC's honors approach. National data, as well as findings here at HCC, show that community involvement, study abroad programs, internships, and scholarly engagement opportunities make students more well-rounded and committed learners and increase their rates of persistence and success in their studies." Community Involvement Naomi Narat found that the Schoenbrodt Scholars program, known for its flexibility and "design your own honors experience" concept, opened doors for her to gain new experiences on campus and in a city that she'd always hoped to see and explore: Chicago. She visited during an alternative spring break program with HCC's Center for Service Learning. She donated time to a local food pantry, helped inner-city kids with homework, and served food in homeless shelters where she had humbling conversations with people experiencing homelessness. "I want to be a pediatric nurse someday, so having the opportunity to volunteer some time with children was eye opening and motivating," said Narat, who was dually enrolled at HCC as a Schoenbrodt Scholar during her high school years, eager to get a head start on her goals. "It's an experience I never expected to have so early on in my college experience, and one I will absolutely never forget." Mercedes Gallagher, a Rouse Scholar, pursued a different volunteer program, with an equally powerful outcome. For her capstone project during her final semester of study, Gallagher concentrated on HopeWorks, a Howard County-based nonprofit that provides support, guidance, and advocacy for victims of sexual and intimate partner violence. "I was interested in helping HopeWorks because I thought its mission was important and valuable," said important for students who are part of the STEM Scholars program, which brings students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) together for an enriched, innovative learning experience. Nick DiStefano came to HCC intending to major in mathematics, but quickly found himself heading down a connected, but different path—to become a pharmacist. DiStefano applied and was accepted to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and intends to be part of the graduating class of 2022. "The honors program advisors at HCC truly want to see each student succeed; I don't think I would have gotten to this point without their help," explained DiStefano. "I am very fortunate to have been part of such a close-knit cohort, where someone was always available to help as I was determining my career path and then eventually transferring to a four-year school. I am so grateful for the support I received." "It's common to see a mathematics student learn something new about biology and become interested enough in what they learned that they end up finding a field that merges the two. The STEM community encourages everyone to take those risks and to persevere, to be their best and to be open to ideas they may not have otherwise thought of," said Dr. Loretta Tokoly, director of the STEM Scholars program. Dr. Matt Van Hoose, senior director of academic engagement, says the college's honors programs deliver many opportunities for students to learn beyond the walls of the classroom. A key focus is on high-impact practices that give students the time, freedom, and independence to explore their course content through a range of real-world experiences. "Our approach to honors at HCC begins in the classroom with the honors courses that faculty members like Stacy and Adrian teach each semester in a growing number of academic disciplines," said Van Hoose. "Running through and alongside this coursework is a suite of high-impact practices that really constitute Gallagher. "But once I got involved, I got so much more enjoyment than I ever expected. I gained a new appreciation for the value of volunteers and realized I can see myself building a career in the nonprofit industry. I had never even considered that kind of work before I got to HopeWorks." Gallagher and others who are part of the Rouse Scholars program are encouraged to pursue community service and leadership activities to build competency as a complement to the knowledge their intense academic curriculum entails. Students are organized into small, collaborative cohorts, helping them build meaningful connections with others who have similar interests and goals. "Honors courses aren't about creating more work for our students, but are instead about asking them to apply a higher level of critical thinking as they work on projects related to the course," said Dr. Laura Cripps, director of the Rouse Scholars program. "Our scholars build connections with one another that continue well into their adult lives. I continue to be awed when I hear about these long-lasting relationships, and how they have helped shape our students into successful scholars and leaders." " Community involvement, study abroad programs, internships, and scholarly engagement opportunities make students more well-rounded and committed learners and increase their rates of persistence and success in their studies." Matt Van Hoose, Senior Director of Academic Engagement Fall 2018 | Pathways 7

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