First-Generation Students

The George Washington University formally defines first-generation college students as those whose parents did not complete a four-year, baccalaureate degree. We also recognize that there are many definitions for what it means to be a first-gen college student.


You are a first-gen student if:

 

You identify with the above definition.

 

You feel as though you have a similar life experience to those who identify with this definition.

 

You’re looking for a place to build community and support that will help you integrate into life here at GW.

 

You would like to be an ally and support those who are the first to complete a four-year degree.

 

 

First Gen United

First Gen United (FGU) is GW's only student organization comprised of and for first-generation college students. Being a first-gen student is something to celebrate, and this student organization seeks to help them soar to success. FGU assists first-generation college students in three areas: acclimation, advocacy, and academics. In order to get in contact with First Gen United, please email them at [email protected].

Textbook Bank

FGU understands how expensive textbooks can be, so they work to provide free textbooks to first-gen students. If you are interested in renting a textbook, please email them at [email protected] to see if it is available.

Mentorship Program

FGU’s Mentorship Program supports first-year students at GW by pairing them with an upper-class mentor. Mentors and mentees meet on a weekly basis and attend events throughout the year, fostering community and friendship.

Events

FGU hosts a variety of events throughout the year. FGU holds monthly professional development and social events. In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, FGU also supports First Friday Dinners. On the first Friday of every month, community members gather to eat and participate in academic and professional workshops. At the end of the spring semester, FGU also holds a First Gen Formal to celebrate graduating first-generation students.

Join First Gen United on Engage

First-Gen Programming & Opportunities

Founding Scholars

Founding Scholars welcomes incoming first-generation college students to life at GW through on-campus activities and outings in D.C. Students will build community with other first-gen students, connect with faculty & staff, and learn about valuable academic and campus resources. By addressing the unique characteristics of this population, the goal of Founding Scholars is to reduce barriers between first-gen students and continuing-generation peers, thereby catapulting students to a successful start to their college experience.


"Founding Scholars was the best way to start my journey at GW! I found a community, learned how to navigate GW, and experience the DC area. It gave me peace of mind knowing I wasn't doing this alone. Being a first-generation student, it's hard to find where you belong, but look no further than right here with this GW first-generation community."

Rayaan Ahmed
Class of 2023
First-Generation Student


First Friday Dinners & Workshops

Held on the first Friday of every month, these free dinners and workshops help build a stronger first-generation student community. The dinners offer a casual setting where all first-gen students have the opportunity to get to know other first-gen students and build an invaluable network of peers.

Prior to dinner, a 45-minute skill development workshop is offered that engages students in discussion regarding campus resources and provides tangible resources to support a successful college experience. Workshop topics include, but are not limited to, academic support, managing your finances, healthy eating on a budget, career coaching, and more. (student suggestions are welcome)


“First Friday Dinner was one of the most instrumental programs for my transition to GW. It gave me a place to relax and get to know students that come from similar backgrounds. Without it, I do not believe I would have transitioned into GW as well as I did.”

Grace Elmore
Class of 2020
First-Generation Student 

Living-Learning Community

Blaze the Tra1l 

The GW First-Generation Living-Learning Community is a residential experience developed to support our first-generation college students and assist them with their transition from high school into college life at GW. An enhanced sense of belonging and academic success is promoted through connected events throughout the campus, connecting students with relevant campus resources, increased faculty and staff interaction, and intentional programming efforts that include cultural enrichment experiences, social interactions, and educational activities. First-Generation First-Year Students are encouraged to apply through the housing application. If you have any questions about Blaze the Tra1l, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

First-Generation Alliance

The Division of Student Affairs is committed to transforming the student experience and empowering students through leadership, advising, and community building. We recognize many definitions for what it means to be a first-generation. George Washington University defines first-generation college students as those whose parents did not complete a four-year baccalaureate degree. Currently, over 1,400 of our undergraduate student population identifies as first-generation.

The goal of the GW First-Generation Alliance is to focus on recognizing the first-generation community at GW to show our students that there are faculty, staff, and alums with similar experiences and/or maybe being first-generation themselves. If you are interested in being part of this initiative, please fill out this form.

Please visit the Division of Student Affairs website to see our varied support to the first-generation college student community. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Campus Resources

 

Student Spotlight


Maylynn Rodríguez

"You have a great calling on your life, and you are here for a reason. Take care of yourself, never give up on your dreams, and ¡sigue adelante! for yourself and your community."

-Maylynn Rodríguez

Class of 2027

International Affairs and Economics


Staff Spotlight


"I was already in college in my twenties when I learned that my Mom had never finished high school. She had been tasked with caring for her younger siblings when her family migrated to North America. And once they arrived, she had to work to help support the family (even though she was only 15). My Mom was so ashamed that she hadn't finished high school that she kept it a secret for years. I wonder now, how might I have approached college differently if I had known? Because my Mom was undoubtledly smart and accomplished so much (and as a single parent), I never doubted my ability to succeed in college. So I guess what I would encourage other first-gens to consider is, What if you didn't know you were first-gen? You wouldn't be here if you didn't have the smarts to succeed. You belong. "

-Jennifer Brinkerhoff

Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs

Staff
 

 

We are excited to welcome you to GW and look forward to how the strength and experiences you bring will enrich our community!

14%

of GW undergraduate students are first-gen college students

“First Forward” institution

NASPA recognizes GW for our commitment to improving the experiences of first-generation college students

 
FGU
 
First Gen Formal

 

                                  GW First-Gen in the News