September Newsletter Edition
A Message from the President
Dear FirstGen Society Members,
Welcome back to another exciting academic year! As we gear up for a new semester, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued dedication and enthusiasm. This year promises to be filled with new opportunities, growth, and triumphs. As always, our mission is to support and empower first-generation college students like you, and I am confident that together we will make this year a memorable and successful one.
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever national student newsletter, "First Up." Through this newsletter, we will be able to stay connected with updates from the FirstGen Society, its chapters, and our incredible members nationwide. This new initiative is another way for us to build on our motto: "Where we can connect, empower, and grow together."
As members of the FirstGen Society, we carry forward the legacy represented by our Greek letters, Alpha Gamma Omicron (ΑΓΟ), which symbolizes being the first generation in our families to attend college and to seek and embrace new opportunities. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Founders Day on October 5—a day to honor the foundation on which everything we stand for today was built, and to commemorate the establishment of FirstGen Society.
Also, be sure to log in periodically to the FirstGen Society Member Portal to access exclusive content, member resources, connect with fellow members, and stay updated on events and opportunities. We want to ensure you're fully equipped with all the tools and support available to make this year your best yet. Here’s to an amazing year ahead, filled with collaboration, empowerment, and growth!
Warm regards,
Anthony Surratt
President
| National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students |
Welcome Founding Chapters
Importance of our brand
Did you know FirstGen Society has its own colors, official seal, logo, Greek letters, Store, and more?
The FirstGen Society brand represents the strength, unity, and resilience of first-generation college students and alumni. We stand as a community dedicated to breaking barriers, fostering connections, and creating opportunities for personal and academic growth. Our brand symbolizes empowerment, leadership, support, and the drive to succeed, rooted in the belief that by working together, we can achieve more. Through our motto, "Where we can connect, empower, and grow together," we embody the values of leadership, inclusivity, and lifelong friendship, community, and learning that guide everything we do.
Access the Member Portal
- To access the Member Portal, log in to the Member Portal using your email address and password that you used for creating your FirstGen Society membership account.
- Set up Your Member Profile using the "Member Profile Set Up Guide" and earn a digital "profile" badge.
Five Leadership Pillars of FirstGen Society
- 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. You can submit your service action through the Member Portal to earn a digital badge.
Building a positive mindset for academic success can include:
GOAL SETTING:
Set realistic and achievable goals for the semester, whether academic, personal, or extracurricular. Break them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Find a balance between study time, extracurricular activities, and social life. Using tools like planners, apps, or time-blocking can help students stay organized and reduce stress. Creating a daily routine can also provide structure and help manage time effectively.
SELF-CARE & MENTAL HEALTH:
It's important to maintain a healthy balance between classes, work, and rest. Find and practice techniques like mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises, be sure to get regular exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and get adequate sleep to keep stress and anxiety levels in check. Maintaining social connections is crucial as well. Regularly check in with friends and family, whether through in-person meetups, phone calls, or video chats, to avoid feelings of isolation.
GROWTH MINDSET:
Adopt a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. This can help you stay motivated and resilient when faced with difficulties.
BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Remember the importance of having a support system—friends, family, teachers, counselors, or your FirstGen Society family —whom you can turn to for help or advice during challenging times.
College Preparation TIPS
Here are five tailored tips focused on financial aid, schedule organization, and navigating club days to help you have a successful fall semester:
TIP #1: Stay on Top Of Financial Aid Requirements
- Check Deadlines: Ensure you've submitted all required financial aid forms like the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any institutional forms. Missing deadlines can delay or reduce your aid.
- Monitor Your Financial Aid Portal: Regularly check your school’s financial aid portal for updates on scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
- Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor: If you're unsure about your financial aid package, seek help from an advisor. They can also assist with appealing for additional aid if your circumstances have changed.
TIP #2: Apply for Scholarships Regularly
- Search for Scholarships Early: Many first-generation scholarships are available through local, state, and national organizations. Start searching early in the semester.
- Use Resources: Use scholarship databases like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, or your school’s scholarship office to find opportunities specific to first-generation students.
- Budget for the Semester: Know your financial aid package and any scholarship awards so you can budget for books, housing, and personal expenses. Track your spending to avoid surprises later.
TIP #3: Organize Your Class Schedule Efficiently
- Balance Your Course Load: Don’t overload yourself with too many credits in your first semester. Aim for a manageable schedule to ease the transition into college life.
- Use a Time Management App: Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can help you organize classes, assignments, and work-study hours. Set aside specific times for studying, meals, and breaks.
TIP #4: Maximize Club Day on Campus
- Do Your Research Beforehand: Check out the list of campus clubs and organizations ahead of time, and target ones that align with your academic or personal interests. Many schools post this information online.
- Don't Overcommit: While it’s tempting to sign up for multiple clubs, prioritize just 1-2 to start with. Focus on activities that will help you grow academically, socially, or professionally.
- Promote Your School's FirstGen Society Chapter or Start a Chapter on Your Campus: Another option is to help promote your chapter on Club Day and encourage other first-gen students to join. If your school does not have a chapter established yet, we are happy to partner with you. For more info on starting a chapter email us at info@firstgensociety.org. Having a chapter at your school can provide valuable resources and peer support.
TIP #5: Utilize Campus Resources for First-Gen Students
- Look for Special Programs: Many colleges offer first-generation programs with dedicated advisors, tutoring, mentorship, or career services. Take advantage of these tailored resources.
- Join Learning Communities: Some schools have learning communities for first-gen students where you can study with peers, get personalized advising, and build a supportive network.
- Build a Support Network: Participate in your chapter for peer support, or connect with upperclassmen, academic advisors, or mentors who can offer guidance on balancing school, financial aid, and extracurricular activities.
By focusing on financial aid management, smart scheduling, and making the most of campus clubs and resources, you can set yourself up for success while navigating the unique challenges of being a first-generation student.
Our partnerships
FirstGen Society supports the Aspire Leaders Program, developed by Aspire Institute, to empower low-income first generation college students worldwide to reach their full potential.
Aspire Institute invites first-gen college students and recent grads to join Aspire Institute's free online program! Enhance your resume and interviewing skills, connect with a global network, and develop leadership and soft skills to distinguish yourself. Stay engaged as an alum to receive continued mentorship and funding opportunities. Be ready to apply in just 15 minutes. Fill out the Aspire Institute interest form for the 2025 Aspire Leaders Program to stay connected!
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.
Submit Content for the First Up Newsletter
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, suggested tips and resources, personal or academic achievements, as well as showcase FirstGen Society chapter activities and events nationwide.
Contact Us
info@firstgensociety.org