First Generation

Definition
Around 56% of colleges and universities identify a first-generation student as "An Individual whose parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college degree."

What Does Being "First-Generation" Mean at UHD?
At UHD, being "first-generation" (or "first-gen") is not confined to a specific definition or set of requirements. Often, time and resources are wasted while students question whether they belong to the "first-generation" classification. At UHD, we do not want to alienate students from accessing resources. If you have questions about qualifying, contact us and we will connect you to resources because the student needs outweigh the need for a definition.
Being "first-generation" is separate from other identities (i.e. racial/ethnic background, gender, orientation, socioeconomic status, ability); however, it is a condition that arises and is largely influenced by those lived experiences and has been interwoven with changes related to college access throughout the history of the United States (Nguyen & Nguyen 2018).

First-Generation Student Inspiration Videos