JumpStart Retreat and First-Year Seminar Program
JumpStart combines a dynamic two-day retreat for first-year students with a seven week First-Year Seminar that is designed to launch your transition to college life by connecting you with a network of peers, student mentors and faculty in the College of Health and Human Development.
Video: The JumpStart Experience
Hear from past participants in the JumpStart program
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The week before the start of classes, students, faculty and alumni of the College participate in a retreat that includes several teambuilding exercises designed to build trust and connections that will last a lifetime. The retreat takes place at the Civil Engineering Camp at Penn State’s Stone Valley Recreation Area. This retreat will help you:
- Connect with other first-year students
- Make a smooth transition to university life
- Hear first hand from upper-level HHD students
- Get to know HHD faculty and alumni
- Develop team building and goal-setting skills
- Have a fun and challenging experience
100% of the students who participated in last year’s retreat said they would recommend it to a friend. Join us!
All first year students are required to take a first-year seminar. The JumpStart program fulfills this requirement and you will earn two credits for completing this program. First-Year Seminars are designed to help you make the transition from high school or work to the college experience. The following links give you more detailed information about the first-year seminar program at Penn State and provide an orientation to Penn State designed for first year students: