Seeds for Success: Impact Cats Launches to help First Generation Students

Oct. 12, 2023
Mia Drake
Impact Cat Program fliers

Knowing about entrepreneurship can provide students with a wealth of incredible possibilities. The University of Arizona FORGE created the Impact Cats program to help students better understand the impact they wish to have in the world and how being entrepreneurial can help them achieve that. Impact Cats aims to engage underrepresented groups who have been excluded from or felt unwelcome in identifying as an entrepreneur previously.

Impact Cats is a 12-month hands-on cohort experience for first-generation college students at the University of Arizona, that focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and venture exploration. An entrepreneurial attitude, training in venture discovery, and coaching are the three core program components that participants will engage in as part of a cohort of students. 

Impact Cats includes the opportunity for students to take part in a paid summer internship experience to apply their new knowledge and skills and a fall showcase to reflect on and share their learning. Sessions for the program will incorporate current FORGE programs like Flop!, Playshops, and Venturing 101. 

Student Venture Pathways' Graduate Assistant for Venture Development Emily Ruiz worked to develop this new program.   

“As an institution that values innovation and problem-solving, Impact Cats will provide a unique experience to explore what being entrepreneurial can mean to them,” said Ruiz.

If you identify as a University of Arizona undergraduate first-generation student and are interested in:  

  • Creating something in the world but don't know where to start. 
  • Finding and establishing a community  
  • Exploring the possibilities of entrepreneurship 
  • Developing crucial abilities like networking, resiliency, creativity, and relationship-building 

You are encouraged to apply! 

“We expect students to grow significantly in understanding themselves and charting a course for their future,” said Ruiz. 

Beginning in January 2024, Impact Cats participants will gather with their fellow peers once a month. Various workshops and activities will be included in each session to help in the participants' personal and professional growth. These sessions will take place on the Tucson campus of the University of Arizona.

Interested first-generation students can apply via our application HERE

The deadline to submit is December 4th, early submission is highly recommended! This will be a yearlong program that will start in Spring 2024 through Fall 2024. During that time participants will engage in FORGE events and consultations.