A New Kind Of College Search Is Here
Google FirstPath is the first platform designed for first-generation and low-income students who are navigating college admissions without a family roadmap.
Launching on November 8, 2025, National First-Gen Day, Google FirstPath offers filters for affordability, housing, transportation, technology access, and textbooks, transforming what has long been a maze of uncertainty into a clear and empowering path forward.
FirstPath is more than a search engine; it’s a movement. By centering the stories of students who are first in their families to pursue higher education, the platform reshapes what it means to be first: not alone, not invisible, but pioneering.
Test Your First-Gen Knowledge
Think you know what it’s like to be the first in your family to go to college?
Take this quick quiz to see what you know about first-generation students, and discover surprising facts along the way.
Stories To Inspire
Meet Mia
When Mia received her acceptance letter, she became the first in her family to ever apply to college. But excitement quickly turned into stress: how would she pay for tuition, find housing, or even keep up with virtual classes on her family’s outdated laptop?
FirstPath allowed Mia to compare schools by real-life needs, from financial aid to free laptop programs. With those tools, she built a list of colleges that felt possible.
"When I opened my acceptance letter, I was excited, but terrified. FirstPath showed me I didn’t have to figure it all out alone. Suddenly, I could actually see myself on a campus that fit me."
- Mia G., Sophomore Business major from Terre Haute, Indiana, studying at Indiana State University. Expected graduation: Spring 2027.
Meet Jordan
Jordan grew up in a rural community where reliable internet was a luxury. He dreamed of being the first in his family to pursue an engineering degree, but worried about staying connected.
FirstPath’s mobile-first, low-data design allowed Jordan to research schools even with limited broadband access. He discovered universities offering both strong engineering programs and technology support for students.
"Where I grew up, the internet cut out all the time. FirstPath worked on my phone even when service was weak, and that made all the difference. It gave me options I didn’t even know existed."
- Jordan R., First-year Engineering student from Pine Ridge, Kentucky, attending the University of Louisville. Expected graduation: Spring 2029.
Meet Ana
Ana worked nights to help support her family while finishing high school. She knew affording textbooks would be a challenge, but she also knew quitting wasn’t an option.
Using FirstPath, Ana filtered schools that included textbook grants and inclusive resource programs. Her search results gave her the confidence to move forward, knowing affordability wouldn’t hold her back.
"I work nights and worried about how I’d ever afford books. With FirstPath, I found schools that cover textbooks for first-gen students. That made me feel like college wasn’t just a dream: it was possible."
- Ana L., Junior Education major from Yuma, Arizona, studying at Arizona State University. Expected graduation: Fall 2026.
Why Stories Matter
Just as Always’ #LikeAGirl campaign redefined cultural narratives, FirstPath is redefining the college search.
By amplifying first-gen stories, the platform shows what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.
These stories don’t just inspire; they chart the way forward.
One Search. Infinite Futures.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Your story begins now.
Explore Google FirstPath and discover a college experience designed for you.
Niki Jennings is a Communications Director at Google for Education. As a first-gen college graduate, she works for educational equity and access to higher education.
References
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Credits:
Adobe Stock Photos. (Back to School Education Knowledge College University Concept) (Back View of Students With Backpacks Walking on Street) (Cashier Attending Customer at Supermarket) (Crowd on Public Transport Bus in Afternoon Traffic Jams in City Young Boy Sits Looking at Phone, Sending Text Message Older Businessman Stands by Door Holding Onto Railing, Two Friends Discuss) (Hispanic Woman Celebrating Getting Into College) (Pensive Latin American Male Student Holding a Tablet, Working on His Graduation Project in Library) (Student Celebrates Graduation With Parents) (Uniform Buildings on a College Campus) (Young Middle East Student Girl Smiling Happy Using Smartphone at the City)