Honors programs are a viable part of the community college response to the challenges of the late 1980's. The growth in the two-year college memberships in Phi Theta Kappa and the National Collegiate Honors Council suggests that greater attention is being given to the academically able students at the two-year college. A rationale for developing honors programs includes the following elements: the increased numbers of academically able students attending two-year colleges for financial reasons; a renewed commitment to excellence in community colleges; the potential for professional development and faculty revitalization; and increasing competition among postsecondary institutions for enrollments. Honors programs offer benefits for students through smaller classes, increased opportunity for individualized study, recognition of their achievements, and increased acceptance by transfer institutions. Faculty benefit as well in that honors classes offer a more stimulating environment and improved opportunities for personal renewal. The colleges themselves also benefit from an enhanced image and the generation of new ideas and practices in honors programs that are applicable across the curriculum. Existing honors programs share the characteristics of specified admissions criteria, financial support for the students, special course sections and creative program designs, and an extra-course aspect. Five questions which probe the nature and extent of institutional commitment are provided to assist colleges in determining their readiness to initiate honors programs. (HB)