IGNITE your student success: Blaze a trail into your UCSC experience

Are you an incoming student looking to make connections, get familiar with campus resources, and start your UCSC journey with confidence? IGNITE is your opportunity to do just that—before the school year even begins.

IGNITE—short for Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, and Transforming Education—is a new First Year Extended Orientation Program open to all incoming first-year and transfer students. Whether you’re looking to meet people, explore your identity, learn more about campus life, or get support from staff and mentors, IGNITE is built to meet you where you are.

Why attend IGNITE?

IGNITE brings together a wide range of campus departments to offer:

• Interactive workshops that introduce you to academic and wellness resources
• Social events and community-building activities
• Mentorship opportunities to support you through the summer and beyond
• Time to connect with staff, student leaders, and peers who are here to support your success

It’s a great way to start building your UCSC community before the quarter begins.

A Program Rooted in Connection

IGNITE combines the best of several former extended orientation programs—like EOP Summer Bridge, Black Academy, Asian American and Pacific Islander’s (AAPIRC) Bridge to Success, Native Student Orientation, 540% Slug, STARRS Summer Transition Program, and Resilient Scholars’ Working to Achieve Valuable Experiences for Successful Scholars (WAVESS) program—into a single, inclusive, student-centered experience. That means you’ll benefit from shared resources, staff collaboration, and programming that honors diverse student backgrounds and experiences.

With its flexible, “choose your own adventure” format, IGNITE lets you engage with what matters most to you.

Key Dates and Details

• Application Deadline: July 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
• In-Person Program Begins: September 15, 2025
• Open To: All incoming frosh and transfer students
• Capacity: Up to 400 students will be accepted into the 2025–26 IGNITE cohort
• Cost: Free to participate

If selected, you’ll be notified via your UCSC email with next steps and details for preparing.

How to Apply

Apply to IGNITE via the online application using your UCSC email address. Capacity for this program is limited, and applications with thoughtful, reflective responses will be prioritized during the selection process. 

The application deadline is Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). 

Don’t miss this chance to IGNITE your UCSC experience, meet your community, and start your journey with confidence and support.

Questions

For questions or more information, email ignite@ucsc.edu or explore the program’s website.