Ball State University’s Jump Start program, which previously prioritized first-generation and minority students, is undergoing significant changes. Following a directive from the Education Department, the program will now be open to all students, with no specific outreach efforts toward underrepresented groups. This shift has surprised staff involved with the program, as they were used to prioritizing those who typically benefitted most. Concerns have been raised about how this change may affect the support available for at-risk groups who most need assistance during their transition into college.
While Jump Start has always technically been open to any interested student, students of color and first-generation students were typically granted priority for its limited spots.
The tone was very different...the emphasis was on communicating that this program is for everyone at the expense of those who need it most.
I was really taken aback...we were not even allowed to have control over our own program applications.
Administrators told staff to broaden Jump Start's focus and stop targeted outreach to first-gen and minority students.
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