First Generation Entrepreneurship Experience Program

Applications Are Now Open

What is the First Generation Entrepreneurship Experience Program?

Thanks to the support of our generous donors, SDSU first-generation college students have the opportunity to explore and succeed in entrepreneurship through the ZIP Launchpad. Selected participants receive a one-time, taxable $2,500 stipend to observe real ZIP Launchpad program sessions, where startup teams learn the skills and knowledge needed to launch their businesses. As an observer, your role is simple—attend, listen, and learn. No homework, no assignments, just an inside look at what it takes to build a startup.

Participant Highlights

Michael Hada on a red graphic of shapes
Ryan Ednacot on a red graphic of shapes
Frida Palafox on a red graphic of shapes

Upcoming Info Sessions

Join us soon for an opportunity to learn more about the First Generation Entrepreneurship Experience Program.

FGEEP Cohort - Group posing on stairs
Sign up for our interest form!

Program Information

Reach out to Jordyn Savard at [email protected] with any questions.

Program starts Friday, September 18, 2026 and ends December 4, 2026. Required dates found below:

  • August 31, 2026: 12:30-1:30 PM in MURC
  • September 2, 2026: 12:30-1:30 PM in MURC

  • Observe weekly ZIP Launchpad meetings - 3-4 hours per week
  • Observe end of semester Review Panel - One 4 hour sessions
  • No homework/assignments involved
  • Must attend all sessions (one excused absence allowed for illness/emergency)

  • $2,500 one-time taxable stipend, split into two payments of $1,250
  • The program meets on Fridays between 11:00-3:30pm (start and end times will vary throughout the semester) plus one end of semester Review Panel with multiple date/ time options for observation.
  • We only accept up to 10 observers per semester!
  • Fall 2026 applications are open August 1, 2026 - September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Event Location Date Time
FGEEP Orientation & ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshop Series 1 EIS 103D / EIS 103 Friday, 9/18/2026 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Speaker Event & ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshop Series 2 EIS 103 Friday, 9/25/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Speaker Event & ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshop Series 3 EIS 103 Friday, 10/2/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshop Series 4 EIS 103 Friday, 10/9/2026 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Speaker Event & ZIP Launchpad Admission Workshop Series 5 EIS 103 Friday, 10/16/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
FGEEP Brunch & Speaker Event EIS 104 Friday, 10/30/2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Speaker Event EIS 103 Friday, 11/13/2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Speaker Event EIS 103 Friday, 11/20/2026 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Review Panel EIS 103 / Virtual Week of 11/30/2026 Various

Get in Touch

Engage with us to learn about upcoming events and deadlines!

Engineering Interdisciplinary Sciences Center EISC 103
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92115

ZIP Launchpad

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