Student Spotlight: Ryan Chase

When Ryan Chase enrolled in El Camino College after graduating from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in 2017, he needed a little time to think. He wasn't sure which universities he wanted to apply to and realized he didn't really know what he was looking to achieve in higher education.

"El Camino seemed like the best option because it was close to home, affordable, and I could get my general eds done while I figured out what I wanted to do," said Chase, who recently graduated with an associate degree in accounting and will transfer to California State University, Fullerton this fall.

Enrolling in ECC turned out to be the best possible decision for Chase, right up there with joining the college's Honors Transfer Program (HTP).

El Camino College's HTP is one of the largest and most successful in the state in preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Through the HTP, Chase joined a group of motivated students to learn enhanced reading, writing and study skills; had access to priority registration and smaller class sizes; and took core courses with other HTP student members. HTP students can also participate in research opportunities. This past spring, 35 ECC students attended the 19th Annual Honors Transfer Council of California Student Research Conference for California Community Colleges and brought home a record-breaking seven scholarships, including Chase, who received an Exemplary Achievement Scholarship.

HTP students can also join the active Honors Transfer Club, which offers an extracurricular outlet for socializing and networking with fellow honors students. The club plans field trips, social gatherings, and fundraising for scholarships, among other activities.

"Being a part of the HTP had a huge impact on my life," said Chase, who was also the Honors Transfer Club president. "In the HTP, I have always been surrounded by very motivated students who all share the same goal of transferring to a four-year college or university. The biggest impact that the HTP has had on my life, though, was introducing me to the Honors Transfer Club, where I met so many great people."