Students entering college at LBW Community College this fall in search of a challenge will now have an opportunity with the school’s new honors program.

Only 20 students will be selected to participate and applications are being accepted now.

It is designed to promote awareness of the connection between core courses and will offer students a better understanding of how different disciplines are connected.

“The group will be enrolled in specific core classes together and take other courses individually,” said Michelle Goosby, chair of the program planning committee and mathematics. “For instance, discussions in an ethics class can then be incorporated into a speech class,” said Ramona Franklin, planning committee member and instructor of psychology and ethics. “An art appreciation class incorporates an historical perspective of society at the time, which connects to a sociology class.”

Students enrolled in the honors program will also give back to the community.

“Studies show us that people are happiest and most fulfilled when they’re giving, yet we live in a society that teaches us to focus on ‘self,’ Franklin said. “Students helping others are building character and providing services to their community.”

Applications are due March 1, and a three-phase selection process will follow.

The 20 students selected will receive a one-year renewable tuition scholarship.

Phase two requires applicants to attend one of two planned orientation sessions on the Andalusia campus, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Thurs., March 3, or 9 a.m. on Fri., March 4.

During the orientation, students will complete a 350-word essay on an assigned topic.

Scores from both the application and essay will determine the selection for the final phase of the process, which is an interview with a panel of LBWCC Honors Program faculty.

Final selection of scholarship awards is determined on the scores of all three phases.

For more information, contact Goosby at 493-5339 or visit lbwcc.edu.