Office of Undergraduate Education
First-Generation & Limited Income Student Initiatives
First-Generation Student Initiatives collaborates with campus and community partners to provide support through co-curricular programming for first-generation students. First-Generation Student Initiatives was created to build community, strengthen well-being, develop leadership, cultivate academic success, and foster retention and graduation among Georgia Tech’s first-generation students. First-Generation Student Initiatives works to raise awareness of the needs and experiences of first-generation students and connect them with their peers, faculty, and staff with the goal of building community.
What is a First-Generation Student?
A student is defined as first-generation if neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at a four-year college or university in the U.S.
Signature programs
First-Gen Jackets Peer Mentoring Program
The First-Gen Jackets Peer Mentoring Program, in collaboration with Mentor Collective, is designed to support and empower first-generation students at Georgia Tech by fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. This program pairs incoming first-generation students with experienced first-generation peers who provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help navigate academic, personal, and social transitions throughout the first year.
First-Generation College Celebration Week
Held in conjunction with National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, this week-long celebration features interactive workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and community-building activities designed to recognize and honor the experiences, achievements, and contributions of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and allies.
First-Generation Recognition Ceremony
The First-Generation Recognition Ceremony is a special graduation event dedicated to honoring the resilience, achievements, and journeys of our first-generation graduating seniors. This celebration recognizes the hard work and determination of students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree, highlighting their perseverance, academic success, and personal growth.
First-Generation Shadow Program
The First-Generation Shadow Program allows first-generation students the opportunity to learn about careers by shadowing alumni and employers (hosts) in fields of interest. Students gain career insights and guidance while building confidence in networking with professional connections.
Student Voices
“When First Gen Student Initiatives became an official branch of Georgia Tech’s Office of Undergraduate Education near the end of my sophomore year, I felt instantly that the first-generation student identity was being legitimized and recognized by Georgia Tech and it made me more proud of the identity. Additionally, the office helped revive First-Gen @GT the student org that was incredibly influential in my first year experience (but went inactive during Covid-19.)”
“During my first year, I sensed a small presence from the first-generation community but was still connected with First-Generation Student Initiatives through programs such as their peer mentorship and celebration week! Now, as a second year, I can definitely notice the progress with opportunities that enhance career development through the shadow program, and even helping restore the First-Gen student organization that fosters student community building and long-lasting relationships.”
“I am a 3rd year student here at Georgia Tech. I just want to take this time to thank Dr. Troy for all the work she’s been doing for 1st gen students like me. Ever since I met her last year, I have been exposed to so many opportunities such as internships, scholarships, and even networking with big companies like Microsoft.”
Contact
Dr. Charmaine Troy
Dr. Charmaine Troy is Georgia Tech’s Associate Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives. She is responsible for the continued expansion of services to first-generation students, embedding these services within the fabric of the Institute.
Email: firstgenprograms@gatech.edu
Phone number: 404-894-5704
Connect with us
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