Undoubtedly, the academic rigor you receive at JMC will be unmatched; however, we equally value and strive to create a space and climate in which you feel free to learn, engage, question and thrive. The quality of your JMC experience matters to us, and we are committed to ensuring that you feel supported, valued and heard.”
BRIAN JOHNSONJMC Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Overview
Funded through the generous gift of a 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.
Since Fall 2022, Early Start has welcomed students to Case Hall a week before classes begin and offered programming that prepares them for academic success at JMC and beyond. The program has nearly doubled in size since it launched in 2022 and admitted a cohort of 40 students in August 2024.
Leadership
Purpose
James Madison College hosted its inaugural summer bridge program in 2022. The program welcomed 40 students for its third year in August 2024.
Time Frame
Interested in news stories about the Early Start Program?
2023
Early Start Program is accepting applicants for 2023 cohort
2022
Early Start students return from D.C., program achieves intended purpose
DEI in action: Welcoming 21 students to the inaugural bridge program
JMC offers new summer bridge program to aid in student success and increase student belonging
Ateeyah Abdul-Wasi (they/them) is a third-year student majoring in social relations and policy in James Madison College with minors in LGBTQ+ Studies, Arabic and Muslim Studies.
VIEW SPOTLIGHTBevertone Anyonga (CCP & IR '20) shares his experience at MSU as an international student from Kenya. Today, he works for MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
VIEW SPOTLIGHTThis year’s Murray Scholar is Megan Threats (PTCD & CCP ’11), an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Information. Threats plans to honor the legacy of librarians who engaged in activism with a focus on intersectionality.
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