Jump Start
Start strong—succeed together.
Jump Start creates a welcoming and supportive transition for first-year CWU students.
Jump Start is a transition program designed to facilitate the successful transition of underserved students to Central Washington University through peer mentorship, exclusive access to resources, community building, and year-long programming. The Jump Start Program starts off with the Jump Start Experience (JSE), where students are invited to move onto campus before Week of Welcome for four days of CWU-based programming.
What Jump Start Looks Like
You will receive an in-depth exploration of the university while being connected to CWU faculty and staff, community resources, and processes.
Jump Start Eligibility
- You are a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian has a four-year college degree)
- You are in financial need or Pell-eligible according to federal guidelines
- You have documented disability through the university
- You are from an underserved population
Benefits
Peer to Peer Mentorship
Jump Start students will connect with peer mentors (Jump Start Leaders) who will support students in their academic careers. Jump Start Leaders (JSLs) will provide guidance to students throughout their first year to help them best transition into their college careers. JSLs will meet with students on a periodic basis or at the discretion of the student throughout their first academic year.
Relationship Building
Students will have the opportunity to create lifelong connections through community building activities, including but not limited to the Jump Start Experience, off-campus excursions, and other Jump Start-facilitated events.
Insight and Access
Students will gain a deeper, more personal insight into the CWU campus while having access to resources tailored to support them throughout their academic careers.
Workshops
Students will participate in workshops that are intended to boost their academic skills while enhancing their leadership potential.
FAQs
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What kind of programs does Jump Start host?
Jump Start Programming
- Move in to residence halls prior to Week of Welcome
- Receive a free meal plan for the duration of the Jump Start Experience week
- Connect with a Jump Start Student Leader (peer mentor)
- Attend workshops with Faculty and Staff
- Cohort building activities such as field trips, team building and student engagement activities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Participate in a year-long cohort through your first year at CWU
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What will I do as a Jump Start student?
Students will be members of a cohort made up of incoming first-year students and peer mentors. Students will have the opportunity to attend get-together's with other cohort members, including outdoor excursions in the Ellensburg region. Peer mentors will conduct quarterly check-ins with students in order to ensure that their academic and basic needs are being met and supported.
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How do I apply?
Applications for the 2026 - 2027 academic year will open at the end of May.
If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please fill out this form.
Email JumpStart@cwu.edu with any questions.
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Connect with the Jump Start Team
Jump Start
Bouillon Hall 202B