The First Gen & BIPOC Student Experience 

A Place Where You Belong: The First Gen & BIPOC Student Experience is designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for First-Generation college students and BIPOC students.

This program offers participants the opportunity to explore Ithaca College campus resources in validating spaces and build meaningful connections with upper-year students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Participants will also engage in community-building activities among their cohort, explore the Ithaca area, and visit local attractions such as the Ithaca Commons or regional landmarks. This program ensures that students who hold these identities feel empowered to navigate their college experience successfully.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Gain awareness of resources that support the achievement, success, and retention of BIPOC and First-Generation students.
  • Creating bonds with peers, alumni, staff, and faculty who share similar identities or experiences, as well as allies to the community.
  • Develop a sense of community through a cohort experience that creates culturally validating spaces for first year and transfer students.
  • Enhance resilience and acquire skills to transition effectively from high school to Ithaca College.
  • Discover the unique aspects of being a first-generation college student and BIPOC student at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) through activities and interactions that foster community and shared experiences.

Group of students posing at a farm.

2024 Jumpstart participants and First Gen students at Gordlandia, near Ithaca

This program prioritizes fostering a sense of belonging, equipping students with tools for success, and providing a platform for meaningful connections that will enhance their college journey. Note : Ithaca College defines a first-generation student as an individual (and their siblings) who is the first in their family to attend and graduate from a four-year residential college in the United States. BIPOC means “Black, Indigenous, People of Color” and represents a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups, particularly those with marginalized identities. Any student that self-identifies with one or multiple of these identities is welcome to join this the Jumpstart Program. 

Program Logistics
  • New students can participate in this Jumpstart program on August 18-19, 2025
  • Jumpstart participants will move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 18 between 9:00am - 4:00pm.
  • The program runs from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Monday (includes a welcome BBQ!), approximately 9:00am-6:00pm on Tuesday, with a Jumpstart closing event on Tuesday evening.
  • A program-specfic lunch will be provided for participants of this program on Tuesday, all other meals will be covered by your IC meal plan in the dining hall. Transportation and all program materials are provided for this program.
  • Participants will be engaged in fun activities; please for the weather and wear shoes that will allow you to walk more than a mile and be on your feet for several hours throughout the day.
  • There is no charge for this program.