Mission

The University of San Diego Institute of College Initiatives introduce local, national, and international communities -- especially students and their families -- to the University, and provide academic and support services to assist student achievement.

Letter from the Director

The ideals of American education -- freedom, equality, possibility -- are put into action every day by institutions nationwide. Our real challenge and pride come from successfully shaping educational experiences to the developmental needs of individual students, staying true to standards of academic excellence, and making the most of resources available.

This interaction engages our Institute of College Initiatives staff -- the meeting of personal and academic for each student, whether in middle school, high school, college, or graduate school.

ICI programs highlight science and math for grade school girls -- in the years when research shows that body image and pressures to conform threaten to crowd out academic interests. We invite students to precollege programs, even though they and their families may not yet have committed to a college experience for them. ICI programs are consonant with the mission and goals of USD: academic excellence, providing attention to the individual student, and supporting diversity, with values highlighted throughout.

The staff of University's Institute of College Initiatives believe that the students who participate in our programs are leaders. They deserve all the rights, privileges, abilities, and opportunities that obtaining a degree in higher education provides. They are the future leaders of their communities. With academic support and personal encouragement, there is no doubt that they will achieve. We are pleased wherever they may go to college. We hope that they will remain at USD. We want to educate them at USD, partner in their education, enjoy that precious experience with them, see them become our alumni from the Institute of College Initiatives.

Why donate?

All programs of the University's Institute of College Initiatives are funded by grants and donations, with the exception of the Summer Transition Program.

The Institute's programs help low-income and first generation students achieve their dreams of going to college and graduate school. Donations to the Institute benefit our students directly, and may be donated to a specific program. The University of San Diego is a non-profit educational institution (501(c)3). Donations are tax-deductible.

There are many ways in which donations improve the quality of Institute programs and services. They provide equipment and classroom supplies, make cultural activities and academic field trips possible, and help to offset the costs of summer programs, instructions, and visits to college campuses. Some donors prefer to contribute money toward student scholarships. If you have questions or would like to discuss your donation, please call our office at 619-260-4686, or write to Institute Director Dr. Cynthia Villis at villis@sandiego.edu.

To donate: If you would like to make a monetary donation, please send a check made payable to USD Institute of College Initiatives to:

Dr. Cynthia Villis
Director, Institute of College Initiatives
University of San Diego
Loma Hall 332
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110

For tax purposes, we will provide you with documentation of our 501(c)3 status and a receipt for your donation once we have received it.

The Institute of College Initiatives students and staff thank you!