SSE IGNITE Resource Site

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Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Innovation, & Transforming Education, aka IGNITE, is a First Year Extended Orientation Program designed to support and guide students in their transition to the university, as well as provide a general introduction to the people and resources that will help new students flourish. In addition, we have fun social programs included that will bring first-year (frosh and transfer) students together.

Through this program, we will host multiple interactive activities and workshops to help equip the first-year students with UCSC resources, connect with your Student Success and Equity team, and unpack your new journey as a Banana Slug.

If selected to participate in the 2025-26 annual program, you will be notified through your UCSC email with more details about how to prepare for the experience. There will be opportunities to connect with mentors throughout the summer, participate in some virtual workshops to prepare for your arrival, and an in-person experience program set to begin September 15, 2025. If you have any questions please contact ignite@ucsc.edu

To learn more about the program, please navigate through our internal site using the side menu options.

Formerly Known As...

For more than 10 years Student Success & Equity (formerly known as Student Equity and Achievement) has run a number of Extended Orientation Programs through various departments. Starting this year, we have combined efforts to be a stronger resource for students. Listed below are the programs that make up IGNITE in their former namesake for more context around the history and mission of this program moving forward.

540% Slug Extended Orientation program has supported incoming undocumented students through their transition to UC Santa Cruz. The program is designed to address the unique needs undocumented students face as they transition to the university. Participants will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops that cover topics like financial aid, academic success strategies, legal services, and more.

Black Academy is a First Year Extended Orientation Program designed to support and guide students in their transition to the university, as well as provide a general introduction to the people and resources that will help new students flourish. In addition, we have fun social programs included that will bring first year (frosh, transfer, or graduate) students together. Through this program, we will host multiple interactive activities and workshops to help equip the first year students with UCSC resources, as well as connections to the greater Black community in Santa Cruz, CA and Black student organizations on campus.

EOP Summer Bridge is a First-Year Experience Program that supports and guides students in their transition from high school to the university. Student participants are first-generation college students who may come from low-income backgrounds and under-resourced high schools. The program is designed to offer students academic and personal support that will yield a successful first-year experience at UC Santa Cruz. Student participants have the opportunity to work alongside committed staff and student staff who will help them become academically and socially integrated into the diverse culture of the campus.

Bridge to Success is a program for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and SWANA (South West Asian & North African) incoming freshmen and transfer students. It’s designed to help you transition into UC Santa Cruz by connecting you to campus resources, building community, and having fun through social activities.

Native Student Orientation program supports Indigenous and Native students of all years by introducing them to the UCSC community, empowering them to utilize the resources available here, and giving opportunities to make new friends!

Learn about the resources available to students
Find out more about campus culture & norms from UCSC students
Meet Native staff, faculty, and local Native community members
Have fun and make memories with other Native students!

Working to Achieve Valuable Experiences for Successful Scholars (WAVESS) is designed to support incoming admitted Resilient and Underground Scholars in their transition to the university through understanding their core success team members, navigating college systems, and increasing education around wellness and financial literacy.

Resilient Scholars include former and current foster youth, formerly incarcerated students, students who experienced chronic homelessness prior to the age of 18, and other students with adverse circumstances that qualify them for independent status.
Underground Scholars are defined as system-impacted as a person who is legally, economically, or familially affected negatively by the incarceration and/or deportation of a parent or guardian.

STARRS Summer Transition Program through Cultivamos Excelencia offers incoming UCSC transfer students connected through the Community College Partnership Program intentional support with acclimating to the quarter system, and assistance with financial planning, navigating the campus, balancing family responsibilities, and making intentional connections with resources and opportunities.

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Formerly Known As...

For questions, please contact ignite@ucsc.edu

This program is open to all students consistent with state and federal law, the UC Nondiscrimination Statement and the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.