IAP was created to be a program that provided BIPOC students and those with economic strains and academic adversity an opportunity to create connections with other students across campus and build skills for success. Due to recent national legislation, any student may join the program, regardless of race and ethnicity.
Ithaca Achievement Program (IAP)
History
Overview of the Program
The Ithaca Achievement Program (IAP) is a scholar program that spans a student's college years and is designed to provide additional community, skill building, and a scholarship each year. Recipients have various requirements depending on their year. Remodeled around the eight dimensions of wellness, students who choose to participate in this academic program receive academic, social, and career support/assistance tailored to meet their needs. They take part in a wide variety of educational, cultural, social, and community service activities to enhance their success. Students may join the IAP as entering first-year students or as rising sophomores or juniors. IAP participants who complete all program requirements are eligible to receive an Ithaca Achievement Grant, renewable each year.
Annual Focus
Scholars will focus on different areas by cohort:
1st-Year Experience
Designed to help acclimate students to campus while providing a communal space for students of color. The focused 1:1 with the program advisor will focus on the first year experience; focused on transition from high school to college or undergrad to graduate school.
Sophomore Experience
Designed to help solidify and ground themselves on campus. The sophomore level students will have focused 1:1 with the program advisor will focus on the career exploration.
Junior Experience
The junior level students will have a large focus on what is next! We will spend our focused 1:1 time getting to explore opportunities within their studies. This year will be designed to focus on internships and graduate school opportunities as well as learning about resources (on/off campus) that will make the experience a little less stressful.
Senior Experience
The senior experience focuses on circling back to transitions. During dedicated 1:1 time, the program advisor aims to help the students focus on providing tools and support to transition to post-undergraduate life.
Scholars are expected to:
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA and good academic and judicial status.
- Attend monthly All Program Meetings on Tuesday afternoons,
- Complete an Student Leadership Institute (SLI) Certificate annually by attending six SLI workshops,
- Attend one personal/leadership development retreat per year,
- Present at the Co-Curricular Symposium annually,
- Engage with Faculty, Staff, Student Organizations, Offices, and resources on campus,
- Participate in community service opportunities, and
- Attenda 1:1 check-in meeting with with the Program Director every six weeks.
Eligibility and Conflicts
Aid Eligibility
Depending on your financial aid package and situation, you may not be able to receive the aid that is attached to the program, but this does not prevent you from applying and receiving the support and resources the program offers. We warmly encourage application but please note that you may complete the program but not receive the aid. Note: If you are an MLK or Park scholar. You cannot be an IAP scholar. You must apply and submit a FASFA yearly and me a fully registered and matriculated student to be in good status. Leadership Scholars, and BOLD scholars are encouraged to apply, please know that you are eligible to apply. If aid from other scholarships cover your cost of attendance, you may not receive the scholarship. This also applies to other scholarships (Ie. Davis and RGR etc)
The program will verify your academic, judicial, and financial eligibility status with the applicable campus partners. Depending on your financial aid package and situation, you may not be able to receive the aid that is attached to the program, but this does not prevent you from applying and receiving the support and resources the program offers. We warmly encourage applications but please note that some students may choose to complete the program but are not eligible to receive the funding. You must apply and submit a FASFA yearly and be a fully registered and matriculated student to be in good status with IAP. International students are able to join IAP as of Fall 2023, and please ensure that any documentation for financial aid is complete prior to your bill due date. Leadership Scholars and BOLD Scholars are eligible or IAP and encouraged to apply. If aid from other scholarships and grants covers your cost of attendance, you may not receive the funding. This also applies to other scholarships (Ie. HEOP, Davis, and RGR etc).Speak to your Student Financial Services Counselor for more support at sfs@ithaca.edu.
Conflicting Eligibility
If you are an MLK Scholar or a Park Scholar, you are not eligible for IAP. Students in HEOP or who receive a grant from the Office of Access, Opportunity, and Achievement, please speak with Cliff-Simon (cvital@ithaca.edu) prior to submitting your application.
The Application Process
IAP accepts applications from all student years from incoming applicants to those entering their graduate school. 1st-year students and transfer students at the start of the fall semester. The program is limited to 40 scholars total.
Applications deadlines for new applicants are September 15th and February 15th.
https://student.ithaca.edu/register/?id=1fc8e7fa-af68-4ac5-90ab-c58bd400fc14
