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Early Start Program

The 40 student participants stand in group with the Sparty mascot at the 2024 Welcome Lunch.

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

  • Brian Johnson, Assistant Dean of DEI
  • Louise Jezierski, Associate Professor
  • Ben Lorch, Associate Professor

Purpose

James Madison College hosted its inaugural summer bridge program in 2022. The program welcomed 40 students for its third year in August 2024.

  • Acclimate students to Michigan State University and James Madison College.
  • Nurture a sense of belonging among incoming students.
  • Equip incoming students with the academic tools and resources they will need to be successful at MSU and JMC, along with an early start for building relationships.
  • Advance Student Success at MSU and JMC by better serving first-year students that are first-generation, Pell grant eligible, high financial need and from underserved communities.

Time Frame

  • Program participants move into Case Hall in August a week before classes begin to engage in activities and class sessions. Towards the end of the week, Early Start students transition to Fall Welcome activities for all incoming students.
  • Upon conclusion of the summer program, students will transition into the Madison Academic Diversity Initiative (MADI) program. We will continue to work with students throughout the academic year and their undergraduate education.

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

Diversity & Inclusion