Jumpstart
Kick off the semester with Jumpstart, and get to know our Mesa College family of faculty, staff, and students who are "all in" for you. We'll introduce you to support programs and services and give you the opportunity to attend tours, workshops, and presentations all designed to help you acclimate to college life.
2026 Jumpstart flyer is available as a PNG or PDF.
Save the date, Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Check-In: Check-In Area Directions
Learn More About Jumpstart
We offer 30 minute workshops with all the information you need to hit the ground running when you start college. Find information about paying for college, preparing to transfer, launching your career, adjusting to college life, and more. We even have specific workshops for parents who want to help empower their young adults through their college transition.
View the full Jumpstart schedule. Find information on free tuition, take a tour, or join an interactive workshop!
Find details on all the workshops being offered at Jumpstart.
Come to the Campus Resource Fair to learn about student service departments, student support programs, academics, and clubs at Mesa. Meet the community that will support you thoughout your educational journey.
Letter from the President
I am thrilled to welcome you to Jumpstart 2026 at San Diego Mesa College.
Today is more than an event. It is the beginning of a journey.
During Jumpstart, you will meet the incredible Mesa College community, faculty, staff, students, and administrators who are all here to support you. At Mesa College, we are rooted in purpose, grounded in equity, and growing together, and our entire community is committed to helping you discover your passion, your strengths, and the path that is right for you.
Throughout the day, you will explore the many opportunities Mesa College offers. Whether your goal is to earn a career education certificate or degree, or to transfer to a four-year university, Mesa College is here to help you get there. As one of San Diego’s leading transfer institutions, we are proud to partner with universities such as UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and you will have the opportunity to hear directly from their representatives.
Jumpstart is also your chance to experience the many ways Mesa College supports students. You can visit workshops and resource booths, learn about our student services and support programs, talk with professors and current students, and tour our beautiful campus. You will also learn about financial aid and the San Diego Promise Program, which provides free tuition to eligible students.
Most importantly, today is about helping you see what is possible. Mesa College strives to be “The Leading College of Equity and Excellence,” serving more than 30,000 students each year. It is an aspiration that guides our work and challenges us to keep growing as a community. Here, your dreams, your goals, and your future matter, and we are committed to walking alongside you as you pursue them.
I look forward to meeting many of you today and hope to soon welcome you back to campus as one of our newest Mesa Olympians.
With excitement for what lies ahead,
Dr. Ashanti T. Hands
President
San Diego Mesa President
Find Support Programs and Services
Even if you are unable to attend Jumpstart, you can explore our academic enrichment and support programs all year long. Access our one-stop-shop for students' success.
Find support services and campus programs for you
