About Us:

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium Program at Kentucky State University is a prestigious academic program designed to cultivate excellence, leadership, and service among our students. Named in honor of the renowned civil rights leader Whitney M. Young, Jr., our program embodies his commitment to education, social justice, and community empowerment.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium Program, comprising of a diverse cohort of students and faculty, offers courses that promote integrative, international, and liberal studies. Together, we will create positive changes in our community, and, most importantly, the world. Through a rigorous curriculum, personalized mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities, we empower our students to become engaged scholars and leaders who make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Vision:

The vision of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium is KSU's elite institution for cultivating strong, ethical leaders who will ignite transformation in their chosen fields. 

Our Core Values:

Community Engagement

• ​We encourage active participation in campus activities and collaboration among Honors Scholars, promoting meaningful connections with local, regional, national, and global communities through advocacy and partnerships. "Enter to learn; Go out to serve!"

Diversity and Inclusivity

• We embrace and celebrate our unique diversity as a historically black college and university. Our community's multitude of perspectives and experiences affirms our commitment to inclusivity.

Integrity

• We hold Honors Scholars accountable for their actions. We expect Honors Scholars to walk with integrity and honesty.

Global Awareness

• We encourage Honors Scholars to utilize study abroad opportunities through our University's programs. Through these programs and our curriculum, we broaden scholars' understanding of diverse cultures and societies. 

Service

• We encourage Honors Scholars to get involved in campus and community projects. We intertwine service into our curriculum, instilling a sense of social responsibility and empowering students to contribute actively to the betterment of society. 

Excellence

• We are committed to intellectual rigor and the pursuit of knowledge across disciplines. We uphold the standards of academic excellence and inquiry.

Contact Us:

For more information about the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium Program, admission requirements, and application process, please contact us at [insert contact information].

Qualifications and Eligibility:

Admission to the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium Program is competitive and open to academically motivated and intellectually curious students who demonstrate a commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. Students requesting acceptance into the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Collegium must complete the application form by the published date, participate in an interview, and meet the following requirements:

• First-time, full-time freshmen must have an SAT composite score of 1180 or higher or an ACT composite score of 24 or higher with a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale and graduate among the top fifteen percent of their high school graduating class;
• Continuing students may apply for honors admission after completing thirty (30) credit hours while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.4, have received no grades of "D" or "F", and are in good code of conduct standing at Kentucky State University;
• Transfer students must have earned an associate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher and have received no grades of "D" or "F" and be in good conduct standing at the previous "sending" institution; and,
• Honors credit may transfer from other "sending" institutions; however, graduating with honors is only bestowed upon a student who has completed more than sixty credit hours at Kentucky State University.  

Honors Collegium Requirements:

All Whitney M. Young, Jr. Honors Scholars must:

• Remain in good academic standing and maintain the student code of conduct according to the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Collegium policies and the Kentucky State University Student Handbook;
• Attend and participate in two (2) enrichment activities per semester;
• Attend and participate in two (2) special programs per semester;
• Attend the Academic Honors Convocation; and,
• Present at the Research Symposium.