
Welcome to FirstGen Society

We are the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, a.k.a., FirstGen Society, a new organization dedicated specifically for first-generation college students and alumni. FirstGen Society unites, empowers, builds confidence, and celebrates first generation college students and alumni by providing our members with social and leadership opportunities through lifelong fellowship, community, and friendship, so that we can achieve excellence together!


OUR FOUNDING CHAPTERS

Rutgers School
of Nursing

Rutgers - Ernest Mario
School of Pharmacy

Miami Dade College
(MDC)
The Member Experience Starts With You
See how the FirstGen Society "Member Experience Program" moves from page to practice, blending program materials with real chapter events and activities.






















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Voices of the First‑Gen Journey

A collection of brief reflections from our members sharing what being a first‑generation college student means to them, the moments that shaped their path, and the words that inspire their success.

Adam, Founding Member
Indiana University
"Being a first-generation college student is a deeply personal and caring journey. It encompasses the realization that education holds the key to unlocking a brighter future, not just for myself, but for my family and the broader community. It is a privilege, a responsibility, and a platform to make a lasting difference. Through my personal perspective and caring mindset, I strive to embrace this role wholeheartedly, championing the transformative power of education and nurturing a supportive environment for all those who follow in my footsteps."

Dalena, Founding Member
Purdue University
"To me, being a first-gen came with a lot of struggles with my identity, self-worth, and discovering my path to success. It was not easy and never will be easy for students facing invisible struggles, but that does not mean it is not possible to succeed."

Shania, Founding Member
Miami Dade College
"Being a first-generation college student is a huge privilege for me. I am sure, this is going to be a pathway of unforgotten challenges that will help me to grow up either my academic and professional life, and above all, being a first-generation student is going to allow me to be a step closer to reaching my goals."

Jenniffer, Founding Member
Jacksonville State University
"The town I grew up in back home is very small, everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows the car you drive. I am the first generation in at least 4 generations of my family to go to college. Being able to make a name for myself outside of my small town speaks volumes to little girls like me; little girls back home who think that they can never be more than a girl from a small town. I worked incredibly hard to be where I am today, and to have the opportunities that I do have."

Soneya, Founding Member
Purdue University
"Being a first-generation college student is an honorable thing for me. It is something that I would brag about. I am not only a first-generation student, but also the first in my whole family to go to college. I feel very honored to be a first-generation student. One thing to keep in mind as a first-generation student is the self-accountability and all the responsibilities we have to bear. It may be hard at first, but it is all worth it at the end."

Jamal, Founding Member
Jacksonville State University
"Being a first-generation college student means to create the snowy trail. The wind and frost blow’s hard against us but if you can overcome this, the footsteps are there to guide the way for the future. It is a representation that change is possible, that anyone is capable of change."

LaPari, Founding Member
Mississippi State University
"Being a first-generation college student is a unique journey marked by determination and breaking barriers. It means navigating uncharted territory, often without the guidance of familial experience, and embracing the challenges as opportunities for personal growth and achievement. The pursuit of higher education becomes a powerful testament to resilience, opening doors not just for oneself but also for future generations, reshaping the trajectory of family narratives."

Follow Us.
Catch the latest updates, media features, and milestones from across our growing community. We’re engaging with schools, connecting with first‑gen students, and building exciting new partnerships. You can also explore recent podcast features and browse our student newsletters for chapter stories, partner spotlights, and more.developments across the organization.
