MSU Ignite Summer Bridge Program

MSU Ignite is a 5-day residential bridge program intended to support students’ transition from high school to college and allow them to learn more about our academic programs. Choosing a major can be overwhelming, and students often struggle to determine which program suits their skills and career interests best. The MSU Ignite program will allow students to explore their interests and become more familiar with college before setting foot on campus this fall. The program is open to current high school seniors admitted to MSU as incoming Freshmen for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students may have declared a ComArtSci major in their application to MSU or have an interest in exploring majors and/or minors in ComArtSci.

The MSU Ignite Program is a proud partner of the Spartan Early Start Program. Students accepted into the program can earn three credits for participating in MSU Ignite.

CAS 290 Course Description: Learn what it’s like to be a major in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences! This course is designed to support students in transitioning from high school to college, develop a better understanding of their major, and build relationships with their peers, staff, and instructors before the start of the fall semester. Course participation includes two online meetings and MSU Ignite, a 5-day residential bridge program.

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Benefits of Summer Bridge Programs

Program benefits

Bridge programs like MSU Ignite are critical to student success and supporting students transitioning to college. Over the course of a week, students will work on a creative project with the direction of ComArtSci faculty. The program offers students added support through various mentors and connections created with their peers. As of 2026, over 100 incoming freshmen have participated in MSU Ignite, and they have continued to benefit from the program's impact on their college experience.

MSU Ignite Summer 2025

Ignite the Spark for ComArtSci!

Meet our Team

Lauren J. Gaines, PhD, Assistant Dean for Access and Engagement

Daune (Dawn) Rensing, PhD, Coordinator for Ignite The Future Coordinator


Staff members of the Ignite Summer Bridge Program posing at the Spartan Newsroom desk

Join our Team

We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic undergraduate students to join our team for Summer 2026. Ignite Peer Leaders play a vital role in the success of the Ignite program. Peer Leaders will assist with implementing the various activities during the five-day program by actively participating, facilitating, and interacting with the participants in program sessions.

Apply to be an MSU Ignite Peer Leader

How to Support MSU Ignite

WIth your support we can double the number of students that can participate in the Ignite program.