Students curious about the world around them and thirsty for knowledge are who you will find in the Scholars’ Center for the Humanities at Howell High School. 

Students in the Humanities program desire an in-depth learning atmosphere and are challenged to expand their educational experience through class discussions, critical thinking, and creative projects. This enriching program provides a curriculum that is both broad in scope and comprehensive in content. Students develop advanced research techniques, writing acuity, and sophisticated verbal communication skills. In addition, this Magnet Program provides students with an opportunity to explore the liberal arts in an intensive, issues-oriented, interdisciplinary approach. Areas of study in the curriculum include government, history, anthropology, philosophy, literature, and the arts. 

Graduates of the Humanities program have praised its multifaceted aspects. 

“People always say, ‘what actually is humanities?’ and that’s because it’s a difficult thing to define, which is what makes the program so great. It means so many things. It allows us to branch off in so many different directions,” one past student commented. 

Students take classes in world cultures, art and philosophy through the program, areas that they might not have been exposed to otherwise. The camaraderie that forms between the students in the Humanities Magnet Program is key. Students feel welcome and comfortable to express their opinions on various topics even if they may differ from their classmates. These types of conversations in the classroom always showcase mutual respect. The discussion-based aspects of the program’s curriculum creates an environment similar to what students experience in a college setting. Alumni consistently report back that this structure has helped them tremendously when they enter college. 

Humanities students across grade levels come together during their school year to participate in debates on various topics. Incoming freshmen to the program will take part in the new Honors Media & Technology Literacy course where they will analyze historical and modern trends in mass media to evaluate their ethical ramifications. Another recent addition to the program is an AP Capstone project which equips students with independent research skills. AP Capstone is a College Board program that combines two AP courses - AP Seminar and AP Research. 

Several students throughout the years have been recognized by outside organizations for their accomplishments. In the past students have been invited to participate in the World Food Prize’s Global Youth Institute conference; awarded a grant from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s (ALSF) Pediatric Oncology Student Training Program for a summer internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; recognized as National YoungArts Foundation winner; and received National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing. 

The skills, experiences, and friendships built in the Humanities Magnet Program stay with the students for life.

Below is a video that Humanities senior Ally Balawajder created about the program.