Winter Immersion Program
The Winter Immersion Program (WIP) invites students to live out a faith that does justice by authentically encountering God’s love through friendships and relationships made in community. Grounded in the belief that God walks with us, we are called to courageous advocacy rooted in relationship, as we learn what it means to truly know and love one another. This program calls us to dig deeper into our own lives, recognizing the privileges and talents we carry, and learning how to use them to uphold dignity and care of all God’s creations. Through joy, tears, discomfort, love, and intentional community, we seek to live into the fullness of life God desires for the world and each of us.
Welcome
We are called to know one another, not just about one another.
You will build community at weekly community gatherings, bond with your small group - familia - for both semesters, learn about the communities you will encounter, immerse on-site during Winter Break, reflect on your experiences, and the further work of justice to which you're are called!
WIP's focus is to walk with you as you discern how to live in solidarity with the materially poor and communities pushed to the margins, especially upon return to campus. WIP is rooted in justice and joy, meaning we reflect and act on Ignatian values, human dignity, Jesuit Social Justice, liberation, and the building of relationships as we share our humanity.
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Follow us for program updates, advocacy opportunities, and updates on ecological, economic, climate and migration justice plus news about our community partners!
Who We Are
What WIP stands on
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WIP invites you to dive into your own faith and reflect on how to live out a faith that does justice. WIPs only requirement is that you be open. WIP is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and Ignatian values/Spirituality. Students of ALL faith traditions, as well as those who do not identify with a particular faith tradition, are welcome and encouraged to deepen and explore their spiritual life through this experience. Come as you are!
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Break open the depth of this word with us! Encounter means more than meeting someone, it means engaging with someone soul to soul. Come see how injustice actually effects people, and then let's do something about it!
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WIP will offer you a difficult and often uncomfortable look at injustices in our nation and world. You will be challenged to really look at and critically think about, the injustices that exist around the world, examine root causes of injustice, and take actions toward a just lifestyle upon return.
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WIP is a place of learning.; especially on the topics of faith, justice, Ignatian values, Spanish basics, and about the unique communities you will immerse with as well as our community partners!
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WIP provides as space for you to build authentic community. We believe that faith, justice, and a full life can only be lived in the context of belonging to one another. “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” - Dorothy Day
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WIP is not just a week long immersion, it is an opportunity to discern to rise to who we are called to be. We believe that means living in solidarity with those we met on immersion and those in our own city and campus community. “Solidarity requires that all members of society renounce something and adopt a...lifestyle to help all those who are in need." Pope Francis
Application
We are so excited that you're applying! We can't wait to get to know you better! This application has 2 parts:
- Application (link below)
- Meet Up (interview - literally we just want to hang and get to know you so we can place you in the best spot possible)
Remember, there is no 'type' of participant we are looking for, just be yourself! Come as you are! If you have any questions, please contact Tinamarie Stolz (tstolz@sju.edu) or DM us at @sju_wip
Community Partners (Immersion Sites)
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, El Paso, Texas
We believe the best way to know another reality is to experience it first-hand. Cristo Rey offers an educational immersion experience where participants have a chance to:
- hear personal accounts of border life from our members
- visit the fence between El Paso and Juárez and hear stories of members and friends who live in Juarez
- meet with promoters of social justice in El Paso through non-profit organizations and ministries
- participate in a discussion with Border Patrol
- meet with an immigration lawyer
- visit the colonias of El Paso, Texas and, if desired, Juárez, México
- experience Mexican and Mexican-American culture
- participate in fellowship with the Cristo Rey congregation
Dolores Mission Church, Los Angeles, California
You will immerse yourself in Los Angeles like never before. Encounter the Community Partners that have dedicated their lives to the people of this city. Serve alongside them and encounter people of Los Angeles through Dolores Mission
School, visit Homeboy Industries (Homegirl
Cafe and Homeboy Silkscreen), prepare a meal for the Guadalupe Homeless Project, meet the LA Catholic Worker and experience Ignatian prayer and meditation in new and meaningful ways.
Program Logistics
WIP meets MONDAY's from 8:00pm - 9:30pm, in both Fall & Spring semesters.
Weekly community gatherings (day and time) will NOT change! If you would like to be part of WIP, please keep Mondays from 8:00pm - 9:30pm free.
- The Winter Immersion program invites you into a full experience of justice and faith/spirituality, meaning it's more than a week-long immersion. Rather, it is a 2-semester program that invites you into the mission and a loving and inclusive community. We work hard to create engaging and thought-provoking prep and integration gatherings that will assist you in understanding language and education around the injustice of ALL WIP immersion sites. We also aim to guide you in deepening your faith or spirituality through reflection, prayer, and group activities.
- You will be on-site with our community partners in your immersion location for approximately 7 days
- All faith backgrounds are welcome to participate and deepen their personal faith and spirituality. For you to make the best decision for you, please know WIP is a faith-based program rooted in Ignatian Social Justice, Catholic Social Teaching principles, liberation, and the integration of faith and justice. Prayer, discussion, and reflection experiences are central to the program. If any of that is intimidating to you, or if you've had a past negative church/religious experience, come chat with us! We hope to explore faith and spirituality in a new way.
- WIP upholds imago dei, which states every person is made in the image of God. WIP also upholds the human dignity of every single participant. The Winter Immersion Program is supportive and active on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Please read the WIP 2027 Policy
WIP's Important Dates
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- Applications open - Sunday August 24
- Information Sessions in Location TBD
- dates & times TBD
- Applications & Scholarship Form due Tuesday September 8: Applications due & Scholarship applications due (get it in by 9am 9/9)
- Scheduled Conversation about WIP (a chill interview) - Thursday September 10 or Friday September 11
- Offers Extended - Tuesday, September 15
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Mondays 8pm - 9:30pm from September 21 - November 30
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Retreat Saturday October 17, at 9am - Sunday October 18, 3:30pm
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- Arrive at Wolfington Hall Friday January 8
- Immersion: Saturday, January 9 - Saturday, January 16
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Mondays 8pm - 9:30pm, Monday January 18 - March 29 (Encuentro)
TBD - Advocacy Day in DC!
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- $200 program fee due September 2, 2026 (if you would like to fundraise the whole amount - that's TOTALLY fine, please email Tinamarie Stolz at tstolz@sju.edu)
- $600 travel fee due November 23, 2026
We will teach you how to fundraise AND there are MANY scholarships available to WIP participants - see below for more details!
Scholarships
The Winter Immersion Program has scholarship funds available! We ask that students fundraise as much money that they can, and use the scholarship money only as needed. If you fundraises the entire amount, the scholarship will go back into the fund and be used the following year.
Please note, Campus Ministry will contact the Financial Aid Office to assist in meeting the needs of applicants. Campus Ministry will not receive any personal financial information. However, understanding the financial needs of applicants will help us distribute the scholarships in an equitable way.
Fundraising
Let's Make It Happen
Do not let financial concerns stop you from doing this program! We will work with you and make a plan! Please contact Tinamarie Stolz (tstolz@sju.edu) to talk about:
- Scholarships
- Saving plans
- Payment plans
Click the button below to view a slideshow on the fundraising and scholarship process.
During the application process, you can request a domestic immersion for financial reasons. Upon entrance into the program, you are guaranteed a spot at a domestic site!
WIP has 2 Separate Financial Commitments
1. Program Fee
- Non-refundable
- Due September 21, 2026 (if this is not feasible for you, please contact tstolz@sju.edu, we are happy to work with you!)
- Online Payment
2. Travel Fee
- Approximately equal to the cost of plane ticket
- Includes: lodging, all on-site meals, on-site programming, programming
- DUE November 23, 2026 (if this is a concern, come chat!)
- Tools and suggestions are provided for fundraising
Not included - passport & food at airport
Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising is optional but highly encouraged. Fundraising is not coordinated through the WIP program or the university; rather, it is up to each individual to raise the money needed for their trip. However, we will assist with ideas, encouragement, and some instructions to help you out! Here are a few possibilities to get started...
- Utilizing Christmas, holiday, or birthday gifts
- Instagram or Facebook challenges
- A "Pick a Number" is a large board with the numbers 1 through 40 on it. This board could be set up at school, place of worship, work, or online. Friends and family are asked to pick a number that represents the amount that they are willing to give. Once they pick an amount, that number is taken off the board (or X'ed out). If all 40 numbers are taken, you'll raise $820
- 1 - 30 = $465
What if the immersion is cancelled due to a health or safety issue?
If, due to circumstances relating to health and safety (e.g. COVID-19 concerns), travel is canceled after tickets have been purchased in your name, you will be refunded (1) a voucher for future air travel equivalent to the cost of your ticket, and (2) the remaining difference of your travel fee.
Your $250 program fee is non-refundable and will be used to provide a great on-campus immersion experience.
For Students
Welcome to the Winter Immersion Program (WIP) 2027! We are thrilled that you are considering joining this community. This guide is designed to help you communicate effectively with your parent(s) or guardian(s) about the program, addressing any concerns they may have. If you are over 18 years of age, any and all questions should be directed to Campus Ministry through you and not your parent/guardian.