Seawolves F1rst: Jump Start Program

Sonoma State University

NASH Catalyst Fund Recipient

Purpose Statement

To support the transition of incoming first-time first-years utilizing an early start program

Sonoma State’s Jump Start Program is an early orientation program aimed at providing a smooth transition to college for first-year students through a blend of interactive workshops, peer mentoring, and informational sessions covering critical topics such as study skills, campus resources, and time management, facilitates the transition to college life. Jump Start equips students with the essential tools and resources needed for academic success and persistence. Its emphasis on reducing cost barriers is evident through the program's ability to potentially mitigate the need for remedial courses or additional academic support services, thus saving students time and money. The academic preparation provided by the program also increases the student’s ability to pass their first-year coursework, thus decreasing course repeats and increasing time to graduation. The program's structured approach and demonstrated outcomes make it highly scalable and replicable within and beyond the California State University system, offering a promising intervention for improving student success across higher education institutions.