Ignite the Future
Ignite the Future (ITF) is a new initiative within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, designed to empower first-generation students and those from historically marginalized backgrounds. This innovative student success program leverages evidence-based best practices to mentor students through their journey from high school to early career, setting a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Ignite the Future Family of Initiatives
Ignite the Future encompasses a multifaceted approach, offering students a comprehensive range of resources to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Ignite the Future provides students with best-in-class mentoring, coaching, career guidance, and unique experiential learning opportunities through pathway programs, cohort-style learning and corporate partnerships.
A comprehensive pathway initiative encompassing high school pathway programs and a summer bridge program to ignite students' interest in ComArtSci majors while facilitating a smooth transition from high school to MSU.
An immersive cohort initiative that offers tailored mentorship, coaching, academic planning, career exploration, and experiential learning opportunities. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and ensures academic success throughout students' time in ComArtSci.
A dynamic, career-centered mentorship and support initiative in partnership with ComArtSci alumni and local corporations, dedicated to guiding recent graduates towards a promising career trajectory.
Assistance from corporate partners helps us to execute the unique elements of the ITF experience. In turn, partners benefit from high-level, continuous engagement and interaction with students and get the opportunity to build relationships with them that will last throughout their academic career.
The Ignite the Future Career Cohort Pathway Program is availble to students who are enrolled in a degree-granting program in the College of Communication Arts & Sciences. Students are eligible to apply in fall semester of their freshman or sophomore year. Preference will be given to students who partcipated in the MSU Ignite Summer Bridge Program. As space permits, students pursuing a minor in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences will be considered on an individual basis.
Application Steps
To apply to the program, students must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credits) in the semester they apply. The application is open now and will close on November 27th.
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e5SvJMyoxiGE1AW
Application Form
To ensure a high-impact experience in for all participants including matching with corporate mentors, admission is limited to X students per year. As a result, not all students who apply will be admitted. Here are the steps to apply:
- Attend at least one program information session prior to submitting your application.
- Submit your application by the deadline.
Admitted ITF students will be required to enroll in a one-credit course each year (CAS 123), for the duration of their participation in Ignite The Future. CAS 123 will serve as built-in programmatic elements such as, mentor coaching sessions, academic pathways planning, site visits and career guidance and preparation among other activities. Enrollment in CAS 123 guarantees designated time for students to focus on professional development without taking away time from other courses or activities.
New program Ignites Success for First Generation and Historically Marginalized Students
The College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University is proud to announce the launch of Ignite the Future, a new initiative to empower success for first-generation students and those from historically marginalized backgrounds.
Read more
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Inaugural Summer Bridge Program Sparks Opportunity for Underrepresented Students
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Staff
Lauren McKenzie
Director of Diversity, Equity and InclusionDepartment
DeanContact
Staff
Faculty
Kjerstin Thorson
Professor and Associate Dean for Strategic InitiativesDepartment
Advertising + Public RelationsKjerstin Thorson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations and the School of Journalism.