first UP News

SUMMER 2026 Newsletter Edition

A Message from the President

Dear FirstGen Society Community,

As we conclude the Spring 2026 semester, I want to extend my gratitude to every member and chapter advisor for your continued dedication and support. Your leadership, service, and commitment to the FirstGen Society mission have made this an inspiring season of growth across our chapters and members.

This spring marked the launch of our newly redesigned website. While the first version went live in March, we quickly identified formatting and functionality issues that required a second launch in May to ensure the platform met the standard of quality our members deserve. The updated site is now more aesthetic, functional, and user‑friendly, offering a smoother experience for both members and advisors. This redesign is only the beginning. We will continue building on this platform to introduce new enhancements, tools, and features that strengthen your engagement and support your success. As part of our transition to the new platform, some members received an automated payment notice in error. No charges were made, and your membership remains fully active. With the launch of our 2.0 website, all members and advisors will need to recreate their login and profile in the new Member Portal, as login credentials cannot be transferred automatically. We appreciate your patience with this extra step. The newsletter below includes the login instructions. Please follow them to complete your updated access to the Member Portal, your hub for member benefits, resources, and connecting with fellow founding members.

To all members who graduated this spring, congratulations on reaching such a meaningful milestone. Your perseverance and achievements inspire our entire community, and we are proud to celebrate this moment with you.

As we move into the summer months, I encourage each of you to rest, recharge, and continue pursuing opportunities that help you grow. We look forward to the impact you’ll make in the season ahead.

Anthony Surratt | President

Importance of our brand

"Where we can connect, empower, and grow together."

The FirstGen Society brand represents the strength, unity, and resilience of first‑generation college students and alumni. It reflects a community committed to breaking barriers, building connections, and creating opportunities for growth. Our brand stands for empowerment, leadership, and support, grounded in the belief that we rise higher when we do it together. Through our motto, “Where we can connect, empower, and grow together,” we celebrate the values of leadership, inclusivity, and lifelong community. Members can also show their pride by wearing FirstGen Society apparel and visiting our online store to find items that represent their journey.

ACCESS THE MEMBER PORTAL

Access member benefits, explore exclusive resources and activities, and follow fellow founding members across our FGS community.

ACCESS THE MEMBER PORTAL

• To access the Member Portal, follow the steps below to create your login.
• Once you're logged in, click on your name at the top by the menu bar and select "Member Portal" or any other member area pages from the drop down menu
• Then set up Your Member Profile, add your photo, and earn a digital "profile" badge

To set up your account:

1. Visit firstgensociety.org
2. Select "Member Portal Login" at the top by the menu
3. Click Create Account
4. Enter the email address you used for your membership
5. Create your password
6. Verify your email address
7. Log in to access the Member Portal

If you experience any issues or are unsure which email address is associated with your membership, please contact us at info@firstgensociety.org.

LEADING with PURPOSE

Victoria Gonchar, Founder of the Dallas First‑Gen Project at Big Dreams Children’s Foundation

Victoria understands what it means to navigate college applications without a roadmap. As an upcoming first‑generation college student and one of our founding lifetime members of the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, she knows how overwhelming the process can feel when you are the first in your family to take this path. That perspective inspired her to build something meaningful for students coming up behind her. Today, Victoria leads the Dallas First‑Gen Project through the Big Dreams Children’s Foundation, which she created to make the college journey more accessible for students in her community. Dallas is home to a large population of first‑generation college students, many of whom face academic, financial, and informational barriers that can make the college process feel out of reach. Victoria recognized these gaps and chose to step in and create a space where students could receive the support they need. Through her project, she brings students together for hands‑on workshops focused on college applications, essay writing, and academic preparation. She also raises funds to connect students with professional tutors, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to preparing for the SAT or ACT. Her goal is simple: ensure first-generation college students in Dallas have the tools, confidence, and support they deserve. Victoria’s work reflects the heart of the first‑generation college student journey, which includes resilience, leadership, and a commitment to lifting others as she moves forward. We are proud to highlight her impact and celebrate the difference she is making in her community. If you would like to support her project, you can learn more or make a contribution directly through Big Dreams Children’s Foundation.

We don't want to miss you!

If you graduated recently within the last year, be sure to share your graduation year with us to be featured in our next newsletter. We would love to celebrate you! Submit your graduation date or your personal or academic achievements.

Update Your Contact Info

If you’ve moved on from your school email address, please be sure to share your new email address so we can stay in touch!

DIgital Badge Recognition

Celebrating Service & Leadership:

Recognizing Connie Flesher

Service to Campus

We are proud to recognize Connie Flesher, one of our founding members, for her outstanding leadership and service on campus. Connie has served as the President of her university’s First-Gen Club for the past two years, dedicating more than an hour each week to supporting fellow first‑generation college students. Through her involvement, she has strengthened her campus community and embodied the spirit of our FirstGen Society leadership pillars. In her reflection, Connie shared that “giving is better than taking,” a lesson she learned through consistently showing up for others. She encourages fellow first‑gen college students to get involved, noting that helping others, no matter the need, creates meaningful impact. We are grateful for Connie’s commitment, her example of servant leadership, and the positive difference she continues to make.

Service to Community

In addition to her campus leadership, we are pleased to recognize Connie Flesher for her meaningful service within her local community. Connie volunteers three hours each week as a Sunday School teacher and youth group helper at her church, where she supports young children in learning about faith, love, and personal growth. She shared that watching children learn and grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of her service. Connie encourages other first‑gen college students to consider similar opportunities, noting that speaking with a pastor or youth leader is a great first step toward making a positive impact.

Connie has earned digital badges in both Service to Campus and Service to Community, honoring her exceptional contributions.

5 LEADERSHIP PILLARS Program

FirstGen Society

We encourage all members to engage in service actions that reflect your values whether you're supporting your campus or chapter, uplifting your community, honoring your family, or investing in your own growth. Every act of service matters and helps move our mission forward.

Participate in our Member Experience Program and learn how you can get involved on your campus, in your community, and with your chapter by demonstrating a service action through one of our Five Leadership Pillars of FirstGen Society.

Login and submit your service action within the Member Portal to earn your digital badge and be recognized for your leadership and service!

Want to earn a digital badge? Share your story, highlight your academic or leadership accomplishments, or share your favorite quote as a first-generation college student. We would love to feature your content in our next newsletter.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

As part of your FirstGen Society membership, we're pleased to share a new benefit: access to the Member Discounts Program through our partner, Working Advantage. This platform offers exclusive savings on a variety of everyday essentials, travel, entertainment, and more helping you make the most of your student experience and beyond.

How to Enroll:

• Visit www.workingadvantage.com
• Enter your personal email address and click “Register”
• Create your profile and passcode
• Use our organization code: FIRSTGENSOCIETY

Once you're logged into our exclusive Working Advantage landing page, you can start shopping and receiving discounts. Members can save on:

• Electronics & Appliances,
• Theme Parks & Attractions,
• Hotels & Rental Cars,
• Movie Tickets & Gift Cards,
• Apparel, Flowers, & Fitness Memberships,
• Groceries & special events,
• And much more

Working Advantage will send monthly emails to you about new deals and featured discounts from WorkingAdvantage@info.workingadvantage.com.

To make sure you receive these updates: Right-click the email and mark it as a safe sender. You can also opt-out at any time if you prefer. If you encounter any issues while logging in, please email CustomerService@workingadvantage.com

FirstGen Society supports the Aspire Leaders Program, developed by Aspire Institute, to empower first generation college students worldwide to reach their full potential. Members can get free access to Aspire's Leadership Development and Global Communities: A Chance to Join a FREE Program Founded by Harvard Faculty.

2026 ASPIRE Application (Cohort 2):

Please take advantage of this fully funded opportunity for limited-income and first-generation university students worldwide. The Aspire Leaders Program empowers emerging leaders through an inspiring global network, leadership and professional development activities, live sessions with leading educators and mentors, and the opportunity to apply for grants and seed funds.  Applications for the 2026 Aspire Leaders Program are currently open! If you are interested in participating in this free program, please create an account and apply before the July 10 application deadline.

Am I Eligible? All learners will be welcomed to begin their journey in the Aspire Leaders Program if they are: 

• 18-29 years old
• From a limited-income background or first-generation to attend university (neither of your parents completed a bachelor’s level degree)
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program or recently graduated; not a postgraduate student or graduate of a postgraduate program

Questions for Aspire? Use the chat bot on the Aspire Institute website or visit their FAQ page for more information.

FirstGen Society is excited to be working with The First Gen Madrina, a supporting resource specialized for first generation college students and graduates that offers resources and life coaching for first-gen students. FirstGen Society members may take advantage of the discounted student coaching rate at $50 an hour with Sara Diaz, a dedicated First-Generation Life and Transition Coach and Workshop Facilitator of The First Gen Madrina.

Scheduling is flexible to meet the needs of the student. At this time, there is a capacity to meet with 5 students at a time. Coaching can be a one-time session or continuous sessions based on the students' needs.

Hear Our Story: FirstGen Society Spotlighted in Two Podcasts

Tune in to our interview as we share our mission, personal stories from our co-founders, and what it means to lead as a first-gen student. Don’t miss these powerful conversations.

Content Submission

Do you have a story or announcement you are proud of and would like to share within our member community? The First Up Newsletter is a great way to communicate and share our college experiences, personal or academic achievements, as well as showcase FirstGen Society chapter activities and events nationwide.

• What Month is Your Birthday? - We'd love to celebrate you!
• When is Your Expected Graduation Date? - We want to acknowledge and celebrate our new and upcoming graduates!
• What Does It Means to Be a First-Gen Student? - Share your story & we'll feature it.
• Update Your Contact Info – If you’ve moved on from your school email address, share your new email address so we can stay in touch!

Stay Connected

info@firstgensociety.org

www.firstgensociety.org

@National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students

@FirstGenSociety