It takes courage and determination to break new ground and try new things...and that includes being the first in one's family to attend and/or graduate from college.
As the parent of a first-generation student, you know that your child will face unique challenges. The University of Michigan wants to help make their college experience a rewarding and fulfilling one, so we're helping first-gen students find their way and make a home away from home at U-M.
Resources
Want to know how to finance your student's college education? Help them find work/study opportunities and connect with other first-gens? Learn about upcoming events? Here's how:
• The First Generation website offers a variety of student resources on academic support, financial aid and campus life, in addition to other programs and services. There's insight and inspiration that will help first gen students thrive and succeed on campus as they pursue their degrees.
There are also stories from other first gen students and grads that will inspire students and offer them advice and support, helping them learn more about U-M’s community of first-generation students and others who will support and encourage them throughout their journey.
Connections
In 2007, a team of students created a group to offer a variety of resources, advising and outreach services to current and future first generation university students and their parents and families. Today, nearly 10 years later, First-Generation College Students @ Michigan—the first student-led organization of its kind in the nation—has become a robust student organization dedicated to the goals of recognizing, raising awareness and meeting the unique needs of first generation college students at the University of Michigan.
• First-Generation College Students @ Michigan is a Sponsored Student Organization (SSO) under the aegis of the Center for Campus Involvement. Their MaizePages space includes news and events information, photo galleries, and much more.
•The First Gen Facebook page invites students to join the group to post and comment, hear from other first gens, and learn more about what's going on around campus specifically for first gen students.
•More on social media: Follow #UMich1stGen An easy way for your student to connect up with peers and classmates.
To help Student Life continue making a difference in students' lives, please consider making a gift.