The Jumpstart Program is a way for students to become involved in their newfound community. New and transfer students may apply to take part in one of four specially designed pre-semester programs that will help them transition into the Ithaca College experience.  Each program has a different focus, and selected participants will take part in activities and exercises centered on those themes.

In my first year I participated in the program "Community Plunge," and I traveled throughout Ithaca completing different service projects at various locations over the course of three days. In August of 2012, I volunteered at the Ithaca Children's Garden and at the State Theatre. In August of 2013, I returned to the program as a group leader, later going on to win the prized "Platinum Plunger" award for best group leader of the year! During this year's program, the locations we worked at included the Waldorf School of Ithaca, New Roots Charter School, and the Durland Alternatives Library.