The School of Communication (SoC) Trailblazer Program is one of 4 student groups in the School of Communication and the most recent addition. The SoC Trailblazer program is student-run and was founded in 2021 as part of Dr. Sara LaBelle’s SCC 400 Message Design II course. The organization’s members work with their advisor, Dr. LaBelle, to develop programming to support and empower first-generation college students.

SCC 400 students who worked on first creating the program

What is the SoC Trailblazer Program? 

The Trailblazer program is aimed at first-generation students within the School of Communication to help them acclimate to life on campus. Their events are meant to foster a sense of community at the university and the School of Communication. One of the organization’s goals is to develop a narrative of pride and strength in being a first-generation student. 

What is a first-generation student? 

A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree. This means that you are the first person in your family to attend a four-year college/university to attain a bachelor’s degree.

Who can go to SoC Trailblazer Program events? 

Every Chapman student, even if not a first-generation student or a School of Communication major, is welcome to attend SoC Trailblazer Program events. 

What are some examples of events the SoC Trailblazer Program hosts? 

  • Networking workshops
  • Internship workshops
  • First-generation faculty and student socials
  • Financial literacy workshops
  • Alumni panels

What type of resources does the SoC Trailblazer Program provide? 

  • Scholarship information 
  • Peer mentoring
  • Study tips and tricks 
  • Leadership opportunities 

Want to get involved? 

Stay tuned for emails from the School of Communication, or follow @soc_trailblazers on Instagram for information on upcoming events to attend.

If you have any questions, please email soctrailblazers@chapman.edu or Dr. LaBelle at labelle@chapman.edu. 

For more information on the program’s history, visit Student-Run Trailblazers Program Puts First-Gen Students First | Chapman Newsroom.