IGNITE Program

IGNITE means to start a flame or to cause something to catch fire. That's what this program is meant to do!

IGNITE helps students whose identities have historically had systemic barriers in higher education succeed by offering a community and support services to get through college and graduate!

As a student in IGNITE, you’ll have access to:

  • An intentional community committed to helping you succeed
  • Educational Planner located in the DEIC
  • Financial Aid Advisor
  • Peer Mentor
  • Loaner laptop (if needed and available as they are limited)
  • Quarterly textbook support
  • Retention scholarship once you complete 45 college-level credits within the program
  • Hardship grants
  • Early registration for classes
  • Access to the Student of Color Conference
  • Workshops about identity development and life/academic skills (including how to believe in your abilities, how to advocate for yourself, how to study, and more)

Are you eligible?

  1. To join the program, you must be a current or newly admitted student seeking a two-year degree or certificate.
  2. Identify with at least one of the following below:
    • Are a first-generation student, meaning your parents did not earn a Bachelor’s (four-year) degree
    • Are low-income: filed your FAFSA/ WASFA and are eligible for a Pell Grant
    • Have a documented disability
    • Identify as a student of color
    • Identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community 

*At this time, international students are not eligible for the IGNITE Program.

How do you stay eligible for IGNITE?

  1. Students must attend one quarterly community forums.
  2. Students within their first 45 college-level credits must be enrolled in the peer mentor program.
    In this program, you will communicate with your peer mentor bi-weekly by phone, email, text, or in person.
  3. Complete a Financial Aid application every academic year.*

*Does not apply to Running Start students.

How do you apply for IGNITE?

*This applies to students that have not been enrolled at SPSCC for two or more quarters.

Deadlines

We accept applications on an ongoing basis.