NCHC Announces Fall 2025 Portz Grant Recipients for Innovation

Lincoln, Neb. —The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) is proud to announce the recipients of the Fall 2025 Portz Grants for Innovation. These grants support creative and impactful projects that advance honors education and foster student engagement.

Congratulations to the following institutions and their innovative projects:

Loyola University Chicago
Discernment in the Age of AI: A Loyola Honors Program AI Literacy Symposium
Artificial intelligence is now deeply integrated into students’ academic and personal lives. A recent survey by Loyola Honors Student Government revealed widespread AI use among students, alongside a significant gap in understanding its ethical and technical implications. To address this, Loyola will host an AI Literacy Symposium, bringing together students, faculty, and experts to explore responsible AI engagement and preserve creativity and ethical reasoning in education.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
“Honors Without Borders” – Global Virtual Honors Collaboratives
This project will create an interdisciplinary, high-impact virtual study abroad program for Honors College students, enabling global engagement without financial barriers. Through virtual exchanges with peers across all seven continents, students will broaden their cultural perspectives and collaborate internationally, laying the foundation for a Global Virtual Learning Institute.

University of North Carolina Wilmington
Collaborative Research for Community Connections: The Williston Navy Day Program
Building on a successful pilot program, UNC Wilmington will expand its partnership with Williston Middle School and the Wilmington African American Community Remembrance Project. Honors students will mentor middle schoolers in genealogical and historical research, culminating in a public presentation honoring local World War II veterans and strengthening community ties.

Interested in applying for a Portz Grant?
The NCHC Awards & Grants Committee invites honors programs and colleges to submit proposals for innovative projects. Grants range from $500 to $1,500. Applications for Spring Portz Grants open January 25 and close March 15.