At Clark University, approximately 1 in 5 of our undergraduate students identify as a first-generation college student.
A first-generation college student (or first-gen) is a student whose parent and/or guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree. Students are still considered first-gen even if they have siblings who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Our office supports the holistic development of our first-generation college students through advocacy, community, and access to opportunity at Clark University
There is also the notion of 1.5-generation college students, where the student is not necessarily the first in their family to go to college as described above, but typically navigates college like many other first-generation college students due to self-identifying as not having prior exposure to or knowledge of navigating higher institution. Examples of a 1.5-gen student include a student whose parents and/or guardians completed a bachelor’s degree outside of the U.S. or a student that has only had close contact with people of minimal college experience.
Resources for First-Gen Students, Faculty, and Staff
Career Resources for First-Gen Students – As a first-generation student, you may be wondering where to begin. No matter your starting point, the Career Connections Center can help you explore your interests and skills, set career goals, and help you prepare for your next steps.
Student Groups and Affinity Spaces
1GEN
1GEN is an affinity space that is focused on supporting the needs of first-generation college students and *1.5-generation college students. This space is dedicated to bringing first-generation college students together around shared lived experiences and identities in order to network, build community, and share resources.
First-Generation Student Association
The First-Generation Student Association (FSA) is a student-run organization that is committed to creating a strong sense of community and network for first-generation students at Clark University, including personal, academic, and professional support.
First-Gen Celebrations at Clark
National First-Generation College Student Day
November 8th marks the annual celebration of National First-Generation College Student Day. We observe November 8th to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965.
First-Gen Week
During the week of National First-Generation College Student Day, Clark University hosts a weeklong calendar of events and programs aimed at supporting and uplifting the voices, experiences, and needs of current first-gens, including students, faculty, and staff.
First-Gen Pinning Ceremony
The First-Gen Pinning Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the journeys of people who are the first in their families to go to college. Students may elect to pin themselves or select someone in their life to attach a Clark University-branded first-gen pin to the student during the ceremony to signify their tremendous achievement as a graduating first-generation college student.
FirstGen Forward Network Membership
Starting May 2024, Clark is now a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, formerly known as the First Scholars Network, an organization that partners with higher education institutions to help first-generation college students thrive. The FirstGen Forward Network offers a national model for first-generation student success by providing network members with data-supported best practices, model innovations, and professional development opportunities in order to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. The FirstGen Forward Network member designation recognizes Clark University as an institution that has demonstrated a firm commitment to supporting the needs of first-generation college students – a promise that we continue to uphold for our staff, faculty, and students.
Advice from First-Gens
“Keep going, and the fact alone that you’re at a college is an accomplishment in itself. Be proud of yourself. Take every learning opportunity in order to better yourself and to prove to others and to yourself that you can always do well when you set your mind to it. Be active to make a change. You can be the person that you needed in the past for someone that needs it now.”
– Melody M. ’18
“There is always support around you. There is so much warmth that comes from being supported by mentor figures, and they will always do their best to help you navigate whatever struggles you feel come your way. No one else can define your success and your future aside from you, and I promise, you are more than capable…”
– MacKenzie J. ’23
“College can be an amazing experience and is a privilege so few can take advantage of. Transform small mundane moments into meaningful and beautiful opportunities!”
– Saúl G. ’24
“My one piece of advice would be to give yourself credit for both your achievements and efforts. Navigating college as a first-generation student is difficult, but it is important to treat yourself with kindness and grace even in the most difficult moments.”
– Denise S. ’24
Identity, Student Engagement, and Access
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Dana Commons,
1st Floor - 1-508-421-3722
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