First-Generation Student Support | Oklahoma State University

First-generation students come from families where neither parent nor guardian has a four-year degree from a college or university.

First Generation Student Support

OSU is proud to be home to thousands of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff. First generation students come from families where neither a parent nor guardian has a four-year degree from a college or university. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the US also identify as First Gen.

OSU is dedicated to supporting and serving anyone who identifies as First Generation.

National First-Gen Celebration Week

November 4-8

Celebrate First Gen students with us!

First-Gen Week is celebrated annually to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 which created federal financial aid programs to fund students' educations.

Main Events:

Movie Screening - "In the Heights", Tuesday, November 5th, 5p, Student Union Theater
Tie-Dye Day - Thursday, November 7th, 11a-2p, Student Union Plaza

20-25%

OSU First Generation Students

43%

of OSU first generation students are Pell Grant Eligible.

Compared to 19% of OSU continuing-generation students are Pell Grant Eligible.

180

First-year students participating in F1RST2GO

First-Gen Faces at OSU

As a first-generation Mexican American student, I am so proud and honored to be a part of our Oklahoma State community where I have truly found my home. I am currently a junior student pursuing a degree in Microbiology/Cell and Molecular Biology Pre-Medicine with a minor in Psychology. Although I have had my fair share of struggles as a college student, my supportive mentors around me have inspired and empowered me to continue to help other students. As a current F1RST2GO student mentor, I aim to uplift other first-generation students to show them that we can succeed, and that no student should ever feel alone on their journey to success.

- Sam Ruiz
Student, F1RST2GO Mentor

As a first generation college student, I had a wonderful experience at my undergraduate institution, University of Maryland at College Park. As soon as I arrived on campus, I became quickly involved with Student Support Services and eventually the McNair Scholars Program. Both of these TRIO programs are federally funded through the Department of Education and support first-generation/ low income students. With their support I graduated with my bachelors degree and Kinesiology Sciences and continued on to receive my Master's in Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University. OSU has a wealth of resources to help first-generation students succeed. As an employee that now works with the McNair Scholars Program as the Director, it has been an honor to give back to students while helping them reach the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.

- Nicole Stevenson
Staff, Division of Access and Community Impact

F1RST2GO

A year-long peer mentorship program to support first-generation students success.

F1RST2GO focuses on the pillars of academics, engagement, and well-being.

F1RST2GO

Assistant Director of Student Support

Matt Williams

Campus Life is dedicated to providing a supportive community for all as they experience being an OSU student. We understand that college can be both exciting and challenging, especially for those who are first-generation. Whether it’s figuring out where to go for help or even knowing when help may be available, Campus Life is here for you. We aim to create a space where you can find the understanding, resources, and connections you need to thrive during your academic journey.

For support as a first-gen student, schedule an appointment in your Student Portal. (Select "Engagement", "Get Involved" and find virtual and in-person appointments.

OSU is a proud member of First Gen Forward, a national model for first-generation student success.

Various OSU staff members serve on the OSU First-Gen Forward Council with the mission to help first-gen students to develop a sense of belonging, increase retention, and highlight our campus supporters.

Perspective is Protective: From First-Gen Student to Advocate and Researcher

OSU staff member, Lacy Quadrelli shares her experiences as a first-generation student has informed her research interests.

Perspective is Protective

OSU receives First-Gen Forward designation

In Spring 2022, the then Center for First-generation Student Success named OSU as a First-Gen Forward institution for its commitment to first-generation students.

First-Gen Forward

From the Prairie to Paris: First-generation OSU students gain global perspective through study abroad program

The Retention Initiative for Student Excellence Program (RISE) took a group of predominately first-generation OSU students to Paris to learn how culture influences and interacts with industry.

From the Prairie to Paris

Contact Us

Matt Williams

211 Student Union | 405-744-0370

Email Us

Donate Today

Consider supporting first-generation students through the First Generation Student Support Fund.

Donate

Campus Life

First Generation Students