Dr. John U Trefny Honor Program Application

The Honors Program at RRCC is an academic program open to all full-time students who are interested in developing their capacity for innovation, research, and leadership. Honors requires a commitment to doing – and being – something extra. This means that to pursue this opportunity, you will need to enroll in the introductory level Honors course. This course is only offered in person at the Lakewood Campus.

The intro-level Honors course is open to anyone. Students who enroll will receive funds to cover the cost of this introductory course.

To continue in Honors past the intro course, students will need to do the following: (1) Receive a B or higher in the Intro Course; (2) Complete a short Application as one of their intro course assignments; (3) Maintain a rolling GPA of 3.0 or above.

Rather than completing a full application now, students who wish to start in Spring Semester, 2026 should register for the Honors course, HNR 1075, Special Topics (CRN 34148 – HNR 1075 – 01H). This is an accelerated seminar, meaning it will run from Feb 20, 2026 – May 08, 2026. During this period, class will meet every Friday from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. There may be occasional required outings. THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS, AND ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.

Students who enroll in Honors 1075 will receive a small scholarship to offset the credit cost of taking the class. Please be aware, to combat fraud, funds are not disbursed until 2-3 weeks AFTER the start of the class.

For more information about the program and its requirements, please contact the Director at Martin.Doppelt@rrcc.edu

Award
Students will receive funds to cover the tuition cost of the required Honors course (amount varies by semester).
Deadline
02/16/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Personal Information
    • Currently, what is your plan after you leave Red Rocks?
    • How did you hear about the Trefny Honors Program?
    • Provide the best email to reach you at:
    • Right now, are you planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university?
    • What are you studying at RRCC / what degree are you seeking?
  2. Academic Background
    • High School Graduation date (month/year). If you're still in high school, please put your anticipated graduation date.
  3. Honors Specific Questions
    • What motivates you? (Word limit: minimum 250 - maximum 500)
    • What's something you consider yourself an expert in? This can be anything. Greek Philosophy, dinosaurs, nail care, auto mechanics... Tell us something that you know a lot about! BUT THEN: Tell us how you know that you know a lot about that thing. Take note, we're NOT asking you to tell us HOW you became an expert. (Word limit: minimum 250 - maximum 500)
    • What's your "craziest dream" for yourself? Maybe it's something that seems really far fetched, but we believe in shooting for the stars! So tell us, if you could do or be anything, what would that be? (Word limit: minimum 250 - maximum 500)