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.

Family of Initiatives

Partners and Donors

About the Program

Upcoming Information Sessions

A group of Ignite Summer Bridge Program students laughing in a classroom

Want to learn more about Ignite the Future? Join an upcoming information session!

November 20th, 2024

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.

Learn more about the pathways

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.

Learn more about the cohort experience

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.

Ignite the Future Partners and Donors

A group of Ignite Summer Bridge Program students working together on a project at a desk with a computer

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.

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The Ignite The Future Program

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 December 15th.

https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0JIB1gqN5IDQEMC

Application Form

To ensure a high-impact experience in for all participants including matching with corporate mentors, admission is limited 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.

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