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



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

Program Information
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
- Must be a currently enrolled first-generation SDSU student actively engaged with the Monarch Unity Resource Center, the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success, or the Student Success Center.
- Undergraduate and graduate students in any major or year are encouraged to apply.
- 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!
