First-generation college students make up nearly 30% of John Carroll University’s incoming first-year class. To better understand their experience, the Center for Student Belonging conducted a series of focus groups with current first-gen students during the 2025–2026 academic year. A clear theme was shared that students often “don’t know what they don’t know.”
Many participants highlighted that key information received during onboarding was lost in the transition from high school to college. Despite a wide array of campus resources, students frequently struggled to find the specific support needed to navigate the “hidden curriculum” of higher education.
To help bridge this gap, JCU launched the inaugural Blue Streak Bridge program, made possible by generous support from the O’Brien family. Naomi Sigg, Vice President of Campus Experience and Belonging, shared her excitement about the program: “We are grateful to offer Blue Streak Bridge as a way to welcome our first-generation students through meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and our Center for Student Belonging. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know how important it is to have people who believe in you and walk alongside you. This program reflects the very best of JCU, our commitment to caring for the whole person and helping every student discover their passions, pursue their purpose, and flourish.”
Held from August 16 to August 21, the program welcomed its first cohort of 12 first-generation, first-year students with 3 peer mentors to oversee and support the students. Peer mentors, Will Vong ’28, Madison McBride ’27 and Aliya Ali ’29 were crucial to the success of the program as first year students navigated their first days of the college experience.
Designed as a launchpad for community and academic confidence, the intensive week focused on three main pillars: academic foundations, campus navigation, and mentorship. Highlights of the week included:
- Leadership Connections: Students bonded over “Donuts & Danishes” with the academic deans and the Dean of Students.
- Community Building: Bridge students connected with INSPIRED scholars with their mentors during a special group activity attended by President Carolyn Noll Sorg.
- Campus & Local Exploration: Participants explored campus and visited regional spots like Pinstripes at Pinecrest and Crowley’s, balancing off-campus fun with getting to know their new home.
- Academic Preparation: Students met with key academic teams, including the Writing and Communication Center, Student Success Advisors, and Library staff, and researched and designed goals posters that they presented at the end of the week.
The impact of the week resonated strongly with the inaugural cohort:
“This experience was incredibly helpful in setting [me] on the right foot before all of the chaos of move-in and the first few days of college. Along the way, I was able to connect with my cohort well and was able to experience the diversity of the student body.”
“The Blue Streak Bridge Program is a very meaningful and informative program that has helped me connect with peers, mentors, and staff alike.”
“The Blue Streak Bridge Program made me feel like I was at home despite being a 15-hour drive from home.”
By combining academic rigor with peer support, the Blue Streak Bridge program equips students with the success strategies and sense of belonging needed to flourish at JCU from day one.
To learn more about the program, please reach out to csb@jcu.edu.
