Funded through the generous gift of Madison alumnus, the Early Start Program serves first-generation and other incoming students who may benefit from additional support as they transition to James Madison College and Michigan State. The program helps acclimate students to life on campus, nurtures a sense of belonging among incoming students, and equips participants with a variety of academic tools and resources.
MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. Early Start is open to first-generation students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.
First-year James Madison College students have the option to take an elective, one-credit course called MC 100. MC 100 provides an exploration of academic, social, personal and career decisions that students face in college, with a primary focus on the first year and the James Madison College experience.
James Madison College’s First-Year Mentor Program pairs incoming students with upper-level peer mentors within the college. The FYMP is on pause for the 2025-26 academic year while the program is evaluated to increase student engagement for future cohorts.
The Pre-Residential Immersive Madison Experience (PRIME) Leadership Program allows Lansing high school students to learn more about the academic and professional opportunities that exist at James Madison College. The program encourages participants to consider future careers in public policy, law, political science, government and international affairs.
EMBRACE (Empathy Mindfulness Belonging Respect Advocacy Conversation and Equity) is a monthly dialogue series open to all JMC students, faculty and staff. EMBRACE event details are shared with the JMC community via the JMC Connect student newsletter and on the Madison event calendar.
BRIDGE will support the celebration of cultural events and identity-based landmarks throughout the year at James Madison College, including but not limited to Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women's History Month and Mental Health Awareness Week. Students are encouraged to connect with Jahshua Smith to suggest ideas or request assistance in celebrating these events.
Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI) provide students with academic resources and networking through mentorship from Madison faculty. MADI participants will develop professional connections with JMC faculty, attend monthly cohort meetings and complete a community service project.
MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. MADI is open to all JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.
The Madison Leadership Program (MLP) offers a great opportunity to learn the skills to be an inclusive leader in public and international affairs. The program aims to address the lack of diverse representation in public life by cultivating the next generation of leaders who are informed, committed, experienced and culturally aware. Learn more about MLP.