Get a jumpstart on your college student leader experience!

Lead-in participants will take on a series of group initiatives and challenges – unique exercises that require you to brainstorm, plan, implement, evaluate, and improvise. These exercises are physically engaging, but not physically strenuous. You will have fun, make new friends, and discover your student leader superpowers! These activities are conducted in a supportive environment designed to hone your communication and leadership skills.

Program logistics: 

Grou8 students jumping in the air and wearing IC gear

2025 Lead-In leaders (all are Class of 2028 Leadership Scholars!)

Lead-In is designed for students who are beginning the Leadership Scholar Program at IC. Most students who participate in this program become leaders on campus, serving on the executive boards for student organizations, holding selective jobs on campus, or representing the student body on college-wide committees. The fun and friendships of Lead-In have a lasting impact, and you will get a chance to learn about the Leadership Scholar Program before the school year begins!

In this program, participants will:

  • Participate in engaging activities that help you learn more about your own leadership style, including an adventure-challenge course where you can choose your own level of involvement.
  • Eat a delicious picnic lunch!
  • Learn about opportunities to get involved in student organizations at IC, including how to dive into meaningful leadership roles during your first year at IC.
  • Meet with current Leadership Scholar mentors and the program director to learn about important resources for succeeding at Ithaca College.
  • Have fun and meet new friends!

“Meeting fellow scholars made me feel so much more comfortable and like I had a new family to start my freshman year.” - 2024 Lead-In participant

Program Logistics
  • New students can participate in this Jumpstart program on August 17-18, 2026
  • Jumpstart participants will move into their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 17 between 9:00am - 4:00pm.
  • The program runs from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Monday (includes a welcome BBQ!), approximately 9:00am-6:00pm on Tuesday, with a Jumpstart closing event on Tuesday evening.
  • A program-specfic lunch will be provided for participants of this program on Tuesday, all other meals will be covered by your IC meal plan in the dining hall. Transportation and all program materials are provided for this program.
  • Participants will be engaged in fun activities; please for the weather and wear shoes that will allow you to walk more than a mile and be on your feet for several hours throughout the day.
  • There is no charge for this program.