First-Gen Students

First-generation students bring unique insights, strengths, and experiences to campus. You’re a tenacious, highly motivated trailblazer — and we celebrate that. We also recognize that being the first in your family to pursue a four-year degree can bring its own challenges.

Whatever you’re navigating, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is here to listen, support you, and connect you with resources. You can request a meeting with Yanira Pacheco Ortiz, Coordinator for First-Generation Student Initiatives, by submitting a Thrive Center Assistance Form, and she will be in touch with details.

In honor of signing the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations, November 8 is observed as National First-Generation Celebration Day. Each year on (and around) Nov. 8, hundreds of institutions, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools recognize First-Generation College Celebration and use this important opportunity to highlight the unique contributions of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. 

At Maryland, we have an entire week of programs and activities designed to celebrate the first-gen members of our community--especially our first-generation undergraduates who are paving their own paths in higher education.
 

Empowering first-generation college students to take control of their financial future.

This interactive workshop series covers budgeting basics, smart saving strategies, managing student loans, and building credit with confidence. You’ll leave with practical tips, helpful resources, and a personalized plan to help you thrive financially — in college and beyond.

Hosted by Lakeyla Whitaker, Financial Wellness Coordinator.

Fall 2025 Series for First-Year and Sophomore Students

Budgeting Basics & Building Healthy Money Habits: Starting Strong
Tuesday, September 16
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John Room 1215

Credit Scores, Credit Cards, and Managing Debt: Foundations for New Credit Users
Tuesday, October 21
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John Room 1215

Let's Play Cash Flow!
Monday, November 3
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Brendan Iribe Center, Room 1116

Financial Futures: Saving, Investing & Student Loan Strategies for All Terps
Tuesday, December 2
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John, Room 1215

Fall 2025 Series for Juniors and Seniors

Budgeting Basics & Building Healthy Money Habits: Managing Your Finances for Independence
Tuesday, September 23
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John Room 1215

Credit Scores, Credit Cards, and Managing Debt: Strategies for Smart Credit Management
Tuesday, October 28
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John Room 1215

Let's Play Cash Flow!
Monday, November 3
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Brendan Iribe Center, Room 1116

Financial Futures: Saving, Investing & Student Loan Strategies for All Terps
Tuesday, December 2
5:00 - 6:50 p.m.
Edward St. John, Room 1215
 

Hosted by the University Career Center, this series includes workshops on goal-setting, public speaking, and networking to help develop important skills and prepare students for life after UMD.

Envision Your Success: Career Vision Board Workshop
Wednesday, September 10
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
University Career Center, Hornbake 3135

Mastering Public Speaking & Confident Communication
Tuesday, October 7
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
University Career Center, Hornbake 3135

Connect and Thrive: Building Your College Network
Thursday, November 6
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
University Career Center, Hornbake 3135
 

We are excited to announce the launch of the Nu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) at the University of Maryland—our campus’s first-ever chapter of this prestigious national honor society dedicated to first-generation college students. Tri-Alpha celebrates and supports first-gen students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Undergraduate students with a minimum of 30+ earned credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni who identify as first-generation college students.

Membership Benefits Include:

• Access to a national network of first-generation scholars and professionals
• Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
• Professional growth resources and events
• Lifelong recognition through Tri-Alpha membership

For more info and to apply, visit: go.umd.edu/ApplyTriAlpha2025

The First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) is a student leadership organization aiding the transition of first-generation students into the University of Maryland. The primary goal of FGSA is to support and promote the ongoing success of first-generation students in college. The association is devoted to creating a strong sense of community among first-generation students on campus. The FGSA is hosted within the Honors College and membership is open to all UMD students.

These gatherings will bring first-gen students together with faculty and staff to share resources and stories while building a sense of community. We’re inviting colleges to host these events to create welcoming spaces within academic units, while offering a casual space for conversation and connection. More information will be posted here as soon as available.

This learning community, presented in partnership with the Teaching & Learning Transformation Center, is designed to help instructors explore the experiences of first-gen students at UMD and identify practical ways to foster their success in the classroom. Click here to learn more!