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About The Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Honors Academy

The Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Honors Academy serves high-achieving students committed to academic excellence, leadership, and service. Rooted in Ãļ§Ö±²¥â€™s historic mission as the nation’s first HBCU, the Academy prepares scholars to lead with purpose and engage the world with integrity.

Guided by the pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service, the Honors Academy is open to qualified, full-time undergraduate students across all majors. Through intentionally designed academic and co-curricular experiences, scholars are prepared for advanced study, competitive careers, and meaningful civic engagement.

Honors Scholars complete a minimum of 21 Honors credits, including a senior Honors capstone project, which count toward the 120 credits required for graduation. Honors credit is earned through designated Honors courses and approved courses-by-contract.

In addition, scholars complete 80 hours of community service before graduation (approximately 10 hours per semester), reinforcing Ãļ§Ö±²¥â€™s long-standing commitment to service beyond the classroom.

While admission to the Honors Academy is selective, select programs and signature events are open to the broader Ãļ§Ö±²¥ community, fostering aspiration, collaboration, and a shared culture of achievement.

Eligibility and Admission

Students are eligible for consideration for acceptance into the Honors Academy if they meet one of the following criteria: they have applied to Ãļ§Ö±²¥ and are identified as potential Honors Scholars based on their high school academic record; their transfer record; or they are currently enrolled Ãļ§Ö±²¥ students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Honors Academy News

Markee Marshall, '26

Ãļ§Ö±²¥ senior wins resilience honor after overcoming college hardships

The Philadelphia Tribune: Ãļ§Ö±²¥ senior wins resilience honor after overcoming college hardships Marshall’s path to the award was not easy ...
Criss Sisters, '26

Ãļ§Ö±²¥ twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss are graduating as valedictorian and salutatorian

Ãļ§Ö±²¥ twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss are graduating as valedictorian and salutatorian Twin sisters at Ãļ§Ö±²¥ will graduate ...
Sarah Walker is Rising With Purpose

Sarah Walker is Rising With Purpose

Who's That Girl? Sarah Walker Honors Scholar Sarah Walker Embodies the Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Experience At Ãļ§Ö±²¥ of Pennsylvania, student success ...
Mecca's Mega Moment: Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Honors Student Shines on The Jennifer Hudson Show with Will Packer

Mecca’s Mega Moment: Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Honors Student Shines on The Jennifer Hudson Show with Will Packer

Stepping Into The National Spotlight Ãļ§Ö±²¥ Honors Academy turns preparation into opportunity on The Jennifer Hudson Show. In a moment ...

Meet the Honors Academy Staff