Being a first-generation student is a transformative experience. Learning about how to navigate college, defining success for yourself and developing plans to get there, and broadening your understanding of education all have the opportunity to be life-changing – literally.
First-Generation Student Events
UMass hosts a variety of programs and events relevant to first-generation college students. We will continue to update this page as events are added to the events calendar.
First Connections
First Connections is an annual series of events celebrating first-generation identity. This year’s First Connections, which occurred in September, included:
- First Connections: First-Gen Community Stories
- The First-Gen Career Journey: Lessons Learned Along the Way
- Your Story: First-Gen Performance Night
We’re looking forward to seeing you in 2021!
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections is an annual welcome event for students who are affiliated with CMASS. Cultural Connections helps introduce new students to CMASS and connect them to programming that supports diversity and equity at UMass.
For updated event information you can also check out the UMass Events Calendar.
Research Resources
First-Generation Students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
by the Center for Student Success Research
Center for First-Generation Student Success
Personal Narratives and Fiction
Make Your Home Among Strangers
by Jennine Capo Crucet
50 Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me About College: Straight Talk for First Generation College Students FROM First Generation College Graduates
by Angel D. Flores
Limbo: Blue-Collar Roots, White-Collar Dreams
by Alfred Lubrano
Every Student Has a Story: Personal Narratives from First-Generation College Students
by TRIO Student Support Services at IPFW
Articles
"What to Know as a First-Generation College Student"
by Josh Moody
"The Challenges and Privileges of Being a First-Generation College Student"
by Jenna Douglas
"Supporting First-Generation Students"
by Alecea Standlee
First-Generation Scholarship
First-Generation College Students: Understanding and Improving the Experience from Recruitment to Commencement
by Lee Ward, Michael J. Siegel, et al
First-Generation College Student Experiences of Intersecting Marginalities
edited by Teresa Heinz Housel
The Journey Before Us: First-Generation Pathways from Middle School to College
by Laura Nichols
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44500215-the-journey-before-us
Trajectory Podcast
Interested in sharing out your experience as a first-generation student at UMass? We’d love to interview you for the Trajectory podcast!
Give our podcast a listen: soundcloud.com/successumass
If you’d like to be interviewed, send us an email at studentsuccess@umass.edu.
