Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC)
Nationally Recognized for Student Success
2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalist
The Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC) at Rutgers University–Newark has been named a 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalist in the Student Support category. The national recognition honors programs that demonstrate evidence-based practices and measurable success in advancing student outcomes.
As a finalist, HLLC joins Excelencia’s Community of Practice for What Works—a national network of colleges and universities committed to improving educational outcomes for Latino students and all students.
A National Model for Student Success
Being named a 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalist affirms what Rutgers–Newark students have long experienced: the Honors Living-Learning Community provides an educational environment where academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement work together to help students thrive.
HLLC was recognized in the Student Support category for its holistic approach to developing scholars and leaders committed to creating a more just and equitable society.
Why HLLC Was Recognized
HLLC’s holistic approach to student success combines:
- Academic excellence
- Faculty and peer mentorship
- Leadership development
- Civic and community engagement
- Research and experiential learning
- A supportive residential learning environment
Together, these experiences help students thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Read more about the accomplishment here.
Latino Student Impact
Redefining the notion of “honors”
Building organically on their own knowledge and lived experiences, HLLC students learn to increase cross-cultural competence and approach local challenges that resonate globally from historical, philosophical, legal, and comparative perspectives. The curriculum provides the flexibility to focus, in and out of the classroom, on issues ranging from civil rights, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, religion, domestic and international violence, environmental justice, health inequities, and questions of democracy and citizenship.
HLLC By The Numbers
Partnerships That Expand Opportunity
HLLC works with campus and community partners to connect students with academic support, leadership development, cultural experiences, innovation, and experiential learning opportunities.
Campus Partners
- Braven
- Urban Solutions Lab
- Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America
- Rutgers–Newark Fiserv Innovation Hub
- Academic Foundations Center
- NJ-STEP
- Center for Pre-College Programs
- Express Newark
- Office of Global Initiatives and Experiential Learning
Newark Community Partners
- Newark Public Library
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- The Newark Museum of Art
- Casa Don Pedro
About HLLC
HLLC is a transformational college access program that is broadening pathways to college for promising talent and re-imagining academia. It is focused on identifying the talent within our midst and providing continued opportunity and prosperity for all, including those who have been systematically disenfranchised by systems of inequality.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a more equitable, diverse, and socially focused tomorrow by serving as a strength-based model in a larger movement across higher education. Connect with our program director Macsu Hill, Ph.D., MPH, to learn how you can support us today. Support HLLC.
Our Process
The HLLC looks at the admissions process a little differently than most university honors living-learning communities. Most students’ first exposure to higher education is through community colleges. As a result, the HLLC seeks to admit students from community colleges, GED programs, and high schools throughout Newark, greater Newark, and beyond. We envision that admitting these students will significantly enhance their lives and will immensely benefit our college community and the world. Apply to HLLC.
Support Us
HLLC program is always in need of know-how, experience, and willing hands to help make things happen. Find out how you can support! Get Involved With HLLC.