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Honors Program

Work with ambitious classmates and a deeply engaged group of faculty to pursue meaningful, impactful projects during your college experience.

Three Honors Community students sitting at a table in the Graham Innovation Zone classroom.

The Future is Yours to Build

Students in York College's Honors Program want to make their mark on the world — and they’re ready to start now. As members of a highly motivated, caring, and supportive community, these Spartans are working together to turn “what if?” into “we can.” 

In the Honors Program, you’ll tackle real-world problems and explore innovative solutions. You’ll work with people throughout the College, as well as the greater York community. In short, you’ll become a leader. And we can’t wait to see what you achieve.

The Honors Program has two types of opportunities: Fellowships and Engaged Scholar Programs. Within these categories, there are various smaller cohorts, each focused on a different area of impact.

Fellowships

Our fellowship programs empower students to design their own extraordinary lives. You'll have access to resources that support you in pursuing innovative ideas, making real achievements, and establishing a record of success to help launch a remarkable future career. Available fellowships include:

Presidential Research Fellows

The Presidential Research Fellows receive a full four-year scholarship covering tuition and fees. Over the course of four years, they develop a mentored research project that may lead to publication or presentation of their findings. 

Their research experience may also provide valuable support for applications to graduate school, medical school, or other ongoing education — as well as deep knowledge of their chosen field as they begin their careers.

Graham Collaborative Innovation Fellows

The Graham Collaborative Innovation Fellowship is designed for makers and doers, those who learn best through hands-on projects and want to be global leaders. The program provides Fellows with financial and other resources to launch their careers. 

Students in this program have used its financial and human resources to start their own companies, find their way into top-level internships across the country, obtain funded entry to top-tier graduate and medical programs, and launch successful careers.

Engaged Scholar Programs

These programs share a deep commitment to servant leadership on campus, in the community, and throughout students' lives. As a scholar, you'll be able to advance your career and build valuable skills. To complement your growth as a leader, you'll also have opportunities to pursue global learning experiences (including international and domestic travel grants), attend special events, and take your studies beyond the classroom with projects you're passionate about.

Eisenhart Community Scholars

The Eisenhart Community Scholars are dedicated to leading service efforts that build a better community. Scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000/year) and have the opportunity to exercise skills in leadership, teamwork, and community-building.

As part of the program, students work in teams to bring about real change in our communities. Their efforts make a positive impact in the lives of others, and their experiences show future employers a wealth of professional value. As part of the Honors Program, they also have the opportunity to apply for global travel, research, and other grants to advance their work.

Gordon Leadership Scholars

Gordon Leadership Scholars receive a $12,000 scholarship ($3,000/year), as well as the opportunity to learn more about — and exercise the principles of — the Jewish culture. This tight-knit group of scholars act as leaders on campus and in the community, promoting core values of intercultural understanding, service, and community engagement. The program also provides four years of co-curricular experiences to strengthen each scholar's understanding of leadership through a Jewish lens, with each year concentrating on a different aspect of leadership growth. 

The Doris and Bernard Gordon Center for Jewish Student Life provides a comfortable, dedicated space for activities and celebrations related to Jewish culture. As part of the Honors Program, Gordon Leadership Scholars also have the opportunity to apply for global travel, research, and other grants to advance their work.

DelliCarpini Community Art Scholars

DelliCarpini Community Art Scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000/year). Scholars explore a wide array of experiences focused on identifying a career among other "creatives" — one of the most important segments of our economy. These students are provided with opportunities to hone their artistic skills and gain valuable work experience in York College's Marketview Arts, located in Downtown York.

At Marketview, they learn skills related to the management of an arts facility, curating shows, developing arts-related events, and supporting the local community through the arts. DelliCarpini Community Art Scholars have made an impact as part of York's Art District and have translated their experiences into many career fields that value creativity and design. As part of the Honors Program, they also have the opportunity to apply for global travel, research, and other grants to advance their work.

Hope Scholars

Hope Scholars are chosen from a group of first-year students who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) and/or York College Changemakers. Some of our most active and involved students, these scholars take part in experiences that help them grow intercultural, leadership, and project management skills. As part of the Honors Community, they also have the opportunity to apply for global travel, research, and other grants to advance their work. 

Hope Scholars value the privilege of their own educational opportunities and share with others in need. Their mission is to provide both hope and tools to assist vulnerable populations in achieving rich lives. They are committed to supporting those who have been held back by poverty and other inequities, and they strive to build better communities with a special focus on providing equitable educational opportunities to the youth of York. 

Through programs like Generations of Hope, this group of dedicated students become leaders with a demonstrated ability to make a difference for their campus, community, and future employers.

Community Scholarship Program (YCCOSP)

The York College Community Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) works with a group of promising students from the York City School District, offering them the opportunity to attend college regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Students accepted into the program will receive enrichment and guidance throughout their high school years. After graduating from William Penn High School, eligible students receive four years of tuition-free education at York College of Pennsylvania, including free room and board. YCCOSP students also participate in activities to support leadership and professional growth.