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All students regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status, who are interested in first-generation initiatives or other Student Affairs programming/events are welcome. 

First-Generation College Student Initiatives

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At Cal State Fullerton, more than 31.7% of our student population identifies as first-generation: the first in their family to go to college. We understand that acceptance into college is only the first step, as we are committed to providing retention and support services to ensure that first-generation students are successful along the way.

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Cal State Fullerton has thousands of first-generation students who can benefit from strong faculty and staff support systems. These same students can also find value by being in community with other first-generation students. Our hope is that this webpage will serve as a resource to connect “first-gen” students with faculty, staff and other students as well as highlight events throughout the academic year. 

Advice from First-Generation Staff and Faculty:

Ask for help

Do not suffer in silence and ask for help, there is a strength in learning to use your voice.

Use your resources!

It can be scary enough going to college, but being involved and using the resources the campus provides is essential to the success of your student and professional life!

Trust your intuition

It got you to this point and you know more than can imagine.

Try everything!

College is such a critical crossroad in so many ways. Join or start a club. Do study abroad. Get a campus job. Be an RA/ASI Leader/Tour Guide/Etc. Just get involved. Faculty and Staff are happy to support you. Your success is their success. Get to know them.

First Generation Staff and Faculty

mural collage of first generation staff and faculty

 

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What exactly is a first-generation college student?

The answer is simple: A first-generation college student is defined as someone who is the first in their family to attend or graduate from college. You are still considered first-generation if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Your parent(s)/guardian(s) went to a trade school.
  • Your parent(s)/guardian(s) went to a community college and took classes.
  • Your parent(s)/guardian(s) went to a community college and have an Associate’s degree.
  • Your sibling(s) graduated from a four-year university.
  • Your parent(s)/guardian(s) received a four-year degree in another country.

 

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National First-Generation College Student Week

On November 8 each year, universities across the nation celebration National First-Generation College Student Week. This date was selected for the annual celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The Higher Education Act (“HEA”) emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds.

Along with creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education. Additionally, HEA ushered in programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates. (via firstgen.naspa.org)

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First-Generation College Student Resources

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Career Center 'I am First' program graphic

Career Center Programming

Led by the Career Center at Cal State Fullerton, the "I Am First…" program was developed to equip first-generation college students with the confidence, self-awareness, and career readiness knowledge tp jumpstart into a successful journey towards achieving career and leadership development. Moreover, the "I Am First..." program offers a first-generation college student/professional network that provides support beyond the university experience.

Connect with the Career Center

College of the Art's 'I am FIRST. I am an ARTIST' graphic.

College of the Arts Programming

"I am FIRST. I am an ARTIST" is a program designed to support first-generation college students explore career options, meet artists in the fields of visual arts, music, dance, and theatre. The program connects students to university resources, including the Career Center, to ensure that students have every opportunity to polish their professional skills and prepare to launch a successful career in the arts. It also serves as a resource for first-generation undergraduate students and their families/communities.

Learn more about the 'I am First' program

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 DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: SUPPORTING FIRST-GENERATION TITANS

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Abrego Future Scholars 

  Students attend Discoverfest and learn more about on-campus resources

The Abrego Future Scholars Program provides financial and academic support for students during their first year of studies at California State University, Fullerton, awarding up to fifty $1,500 scholarships to first-time freshman and first-time transfer students. Additionally, the program helps facilitate the transition to college for meritorious students who have been disadvantaged due to their economic, environmental, or educational background.

Abrego Future Scholars Contact Information

Phone: (657) 278-3458
Email: scholars@fullerton.edu  
Website: www.fullerton.edu/scholars

Educational Opportunity Program

Students mid-conversation on campus

For 50 years Cal State Fullerton has collaborated with the State of California to provide financial and academic support to students through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Each year, EOP at CSUF admits a new class of up to 500 individuals—first time freshman and transfer students—whose families are challenged by economic barriers and who need admissions and/or counseling services to succeed in college. EOP provides access to higher education for those students who demonstrate potential and who, without EOP support, may be unable to earn a college degree. Additionally, EOP at CSUF offers pre-admission counseling, admission assistance, referrals for tutorial learning, career guidance, financial aid advisement, and other student services.

Educational Opportunity Program Admissions Contact Information

Phone: (657) 278-2784
Email: eopadmissions@fullerton.edu
Website: www.fullerton.edu/eop  

TRIO Student Support Services

Student and Tuffy pose for a picture

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program that is housed within the Student Academic Services Unit of Student Affairs. TRIO SSS serves students who are first generation and/or low-income and/or have a disability to successfully graduate with their bachelor's degree. Furthermore, the program provides academic and other support services to encourage the holistic development of our students from first time enrollment through graduation from Cal State Fullerton.

TRIO SSS Contact Information

Phone: (657) 278-5210
Website: www.fullerton.edu/sss
Email: sss@fullerton.edu
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

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All students regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status, who are interested in first-generation initiatives or other Student Affairs programming/events are welcome. 

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