The Academic Experience

The Honors Changemaker Scholars Program is a 23-credit program that helps students develop the knowledge, skills, networks, and mindsets that equip them to become engaged members of their communities and enact positive social changes in them. By combining a unique honors curriculum with co-curricular and experiential learning opportunities, the program encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of social problems and to work collaboratively with community partners to develop innovative approaches to problems in the Appalachian Highlands.

The Changemaker Scholars program curriculum includes courses in changemaking, service-learning, and leadership, as well as a capstone project. Students in the program complete:

• The Range program, an 8-semester sequence of 1-credit seminars focused on Global Challenges and Purposeful Work.
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  First-year seminar on changemaking, a 3-credit course that introduces students to the idea of changemaking and what it means to be a changemaker.
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  Service-learning, two 3-credit courses that acquaint student with a variety of community organizations, provides volunteer opportunities in the community, and encourages reflection on those experiences.
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  Non-profit leadership, a 3-credit course that examines the history, impact, and structure of non-profit organizations.
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  An honors capstone project (3-credits), where students will work collaboratively with campus and community partners to address a social problem in the region, reflect on the experience, and connect the project to their undergraduate experiences and future plans.