What is JumpStart: American Sign Language (ASL) Track?

JumpStart: ASL is an American Sign Language (ASL) immersion program for students new to the Deaf community and American Sign Language.  Students participating JumpStart: ASL have an opportunity to learn and develop their sign language skills within a community of peers prior to the start of the fall semester.  Not only do students immerse themselves into ASL; they also become familiar with the Deaf culture and community, learn about various campus resources, and explore their new home in Washington, D.C.  JumpStart: ASL is the beginning of a journey that will provide students with the skills to integrate into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the university.

For further inquires, please contact jumpstart@gallaudet.edu. Check out the video below to see what our previous JumpStart students have to say about their experience:

More comments from our former JumpStart ASL students:

"I thought it was such an awesome idea to get students together at JumpStart who know little or no sign at all. I knew from the start that I would participate in this amazing opportunity to help me get the best experience at Gallaudet." -- Stephanie Weiss

"JumpStart was like a family... I wish it could continue forever. Joining JumpStart helped me a lot especially in the improvement of ASL, settling down at Gallaudet and be prepared in the fall." -- Santina Mwarania

"As eager as I was to have a fresh start in a brand new city, I was nervous at the possibility of culture shock and becoming overwhelmed by such drastic lifestyle changes. In JumpStart, I was offered the ease of a subtle transition into a new culture. Also, we were able to make lasting friendships before the hectic fall semester starts. I could not have been more satisfied! " -- Kallissa Bailey

"I feel like I died and went to heaven! I arrived for the JumpStart highly motivated. I was not disappointed. I felt that the program was a very positive experience for me and I am absolutely exhilarated by how much my signing knowledge has grown in this short time." -- Jean Jims