Commonwealth Honors Academy

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The Commonwealth Honors Academy is a three-week academic enrichment experience held every June on Murray State University’s main campus in Murray, KY. You’ll live on campus while you take college-level honors classes and participate in fun activities and seminars to help you grow personally and socially.

Aside from academics, CHA gives you the opportunity to make friends with intelligent, enthusiastic, and energetic students from different areas and with different backgrounds.

A group of students listening to speakers discuss the importance of JuneteenthCHA students are able to have seminars with guest speakers. These students are learning the history behind Juneteenth.

Who can go to CHA?

You’re eligible to attend the Commonwealth Honors Academy if you meet the basic requirements.

High school students from Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, and other states in Murray State’s service region

  • who are or will be at least 16 years old
  • who have completed junior year
  • who have a 3.5 or higher GPA
  • and are eager to grow - academically and personally.

Why should I attend CHA?

You’ll earn 6 hours of college credits and a 4-year full tuition scholarship to Murray State University, provided certain qualifications are maintained.

And, you’ll get a taste of what life will be like when you are a college student. You’ll live in a residence hall with a roommate, get food from campus dining locations, and learn how to navigate campus just like a regular Murray State student.

You’ll be introduced to what it’s like to take honors courses at the college level. It’ll be up to you to complete homework and manage your time wisely.

How and when do I apply?

Applications are due by March 1 of each year and you can apply online.

Application

Teacher Recommendation

Counselor Form

What does it cost??

  • $250 Tuition processing fee
  • Money for personal articles, snacks, and incidental expenses
  • There is no fee for the program

Note: The tuition processing fee may be waived for students receiving free or reduced student lunch, or ACT Fee Waiver.

Courses

You’ll take two 3-credit hour courses. If you complete the courses, you’ll earn 6 hours of college credit toward your degree at Murray State. College credits can also be transferred to other institutions.

1. Interdisciplinary Humanities & Fine Arts Course

This course develops the Academy's theme, drawing material from the traditional humanities (e.g., history, literature, philosophy) and the Fine and Performing Arts (e.g., music, visual arts, theater)

2. Elective Course

Each elective course will address the theme of the Commonwealth Honors Academy from its own perspective. Subjects vary based on which faculty members participate.

You will be given a chance to select your preferences for the available electives. We’ll do our best to match you with your top choice, but there is a limited number of spots available for each course. Course credit is transferable to other universities. Both courses will be graded using a standard collegiate grading system: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, etc. Please note, you must pass the courses to earn credit hours.

Seminar

In addition to your courses, you’ll participate in a seminar focused on issues of personal and social development. Through small group discussions, you’ll explore topics such as interpersonal communication, family and peer relationships, choosing a university, civic responsibility, and how the CHA them relates to your own life.

Activities

There are a ton of different activities throughout the program. Movies, games, talent shows, tie-dye, guest speakers, karaoke… You never know what you’ll get to see and do at CHA!

Students participating in CHA talent showStudents and faculty enjoying the incredible CHA talent show.

Community

You’ll spend three weeks living in a residence hall (dorm) on Murray State’s campus. Floors are divided into wings and each wing is assigned a residential counselor to lead and support you. You’ll have 14-20 neighbors in your wing. Residential counselors are outstanding college men and women who provide leadership, friendship, and encouragement.

Each floor is reserved for a single gender and visiting the floor of the opposite gender isn’t permitted, but the first-floor lobby is a great space where everyone can come together. You’ll also have a curfew when you must be in the building and on your floor.

Reunion

The CHA reunion takes place in September. We’ll invite you back to Murray State’s campus for a ceremony where you and other graduates will be honored with a certificate of achievement. The reunion will also give you a chance to connect with friends you made over the summer and evaluate your time at CHA. Parents will also have the opportunity to evaluate the program and learn more about the college application process.

CHA VS Governor's Scholars Commonwealth Honors Academy Governor’s Scholars Program
For outstanding high school juniors Yes Yes
Students live on college campus and create community Yes Yes
Open to residents of Kentucky and select states Yes no* KY only
Can qualify for scholarships for participating Yes Yes
Earn college credits Yes No

Students

Are you a student interested in attending?

Application Materials

Application

Applications are due by March 1st, 2024.


Teacher Recommendation
Counselor Form
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