As a student who has been fortunate enough to experience both the Honors and Scholars Programs at College of Lake County, I’ve seen firsthand how each program offers unique opportunities for academic growth, challenging coursework, and building a strong community. But with the sudden end of the Honors Program last semester, I can’t help but feel that many students have lost an important academic resource.
My time in Honors classes has been one of the highlights of my college experience. These courses were more than just textbooks and exams. They emphasized collaboration, community, and engaging with the material in a way that made it feel alive. One course that really stood out was the Introduction to Psychology Honors class with Dr. Martha Lally in Fall 2024. Though it was an elective, the class sparked a real interest in psychology. Dr. Lally created an environment where we weren’t just reading from a book, but actually experiencing the subject through interactive activities and demonstrations. This kind of learning is something I’ve only experienced in Honors classes, and I’ve found it to be far more enriching than the typical lecture- based courses.
The discontinuation of the Honors Program is a disservice to the students at College of Lake County who seek that level of academic rigor. Honors courses provide an opportunity for deeper learning, more personal interaction with professors, and a sense of community with peers who share the same academic drive. For students applying to competitive universities or scholarships, the Honors Program also offered a chance to prove they can handle challenging coursework. By removing this option, the college is taking away a valuable resource that many students relied on to push themselves academically and stand out in their future applications.
The Honors Program could have been promoted more effectively. Students like me, and others in the Honors Program, worked hard to raise awareness about it. Whether through websites, flyers, or videos. But it’s clear that more support from the college would have made a difference in encouraging greater participation. It’s unfortunate that a program with such potential didn’t have the support it needed to thrive.
As a current member of the Scholars Program, I can say that being surrounded by like-minded, driven students is a fantastic experience. However, I believe both programs should have continued side by side. The Scholars Program is limited to a small number of students, and while it’s a great fit for some, the Honors Program offered a wider range of courses that could have served students with different academic interests. The two programs could have complemented each other and provided more opportunities for students to challenge themselves.
The end of the Honors Program is a loss for both the college and its students. While the Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity, there’s definitely room for both to exist. If the college can find a way to reinstate or merge the best aspects of both programs, it would give students the chance to pursue the academic challenges they deserve.
