The Honors Program Student Awards celebrates students who exemplify the values at the heart of honors education at GRCC—academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.
These awards recognize outstanding achievements across service, scholarship and leadership, highlighting students who go above and beyond in their coursework and contributions beyond the classroom. Detailed criteria for each award are outlined below.
Award recipients will also be invited to a special Honors Awards Reception, where we come together to celebrate their accomplishments and impact within the Honors Program and the broader community.
Honors Program Awards Reception
The Honors Program Awards Reception is a special celebration dedicated to recognizing students whose academic achievements, leadership and community engagement exemplify the values of the Honors Program. This event provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge award recipients, celebrate their contributions and bring together students, faculty and staff in a shared moment of pride and appreciation for the impact honors students make at GRCC.
Event Details
- Friday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Grand Rapids Campus, Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center Piazza
- Parking and food will be provided.
Honors Program Awards
Community Leadership Award
This award recognizes exceptional students in GRCC’s Honors Program who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service by creating a volunteer event. To earn this award, students must lead one group volunteer project consisting of 10 GRCC students and totaling four hours.
Recipients of this award have shown dedication to making a positive impact in their community, exemplifying the values of leadership, compassion and civic responsibility.
Community Leadership Award Submission Form
Community Engagement Above & Beyond Award
This award recognizes exceptional students in GRCC’s Honors Program who have demonstrated a deep commitment to community service by completing 40 or more volunteer hours over two consecutive semesters. Recipients of this award have shown dedication to making a positive impact in their community, exemplifying the values of leadership, compassion and civic responsibility.
Community Engagement Above & Beyond Award Submission Form
Honors Project Excellence Award
This award recognizes students whose honors project reflects exceptional academic rigor, creativity, and depth of inquiry. Award-winning projects demonstrate strong critical thinking, intentional design, effective use of information, and clear alignment with course learning outcomes. These projects represent high-quality academic work that exceeds expectations. Projects must receive a score of 12 on the Honors Project Confirmation Form and include an instructor recommendation. Students meeting these criteria will automatically receive this award.
Honors Student-of-the-Year Award
The Honors Student of the Year Award recognizes a student who represents the spirit of the Honors Program through academic growth, leadership, and meaningful engagement within the Honors community and beyond. This award celebrates a student who shows initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning while positively impacting peers, campus, and community. Applicants are encouraged to share how they have grown, contributed, and shaped their Honors experience.
Honors Student-of-the-Year Award Submission Form
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Katie Pena, katherinepena@grcc.edu.