What is a First Generation Student?

A first generation student, or first gen, is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree.  Earlham provides additional resources for navigating the logistics of college life to support first gen students.

Resources

• The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program

  The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to prepare students who have traditionally been underrepresented in graduate studies for the journey leading to the Ph.D. (The U.S. Department of Education, in this instance, defines underrepresented as first-generation college students of any race from low-income backgrounds or Black, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, or Pacific Islander.) As a participant in the program, you will have access to skills-building courses and tutoring, research experiences with a faculty mentor and individualized assistance through the graduate school application process.

  For more information on how to become a McNair Scholar, follow this link: The Ronald E. McNair Program : Earlham College

• Library Immersion Fellowship Team (LIFT)

  The LIFT Program matches small groups of first-generation students with a personal research librarian to engage with trending issues while acquiring research competencies, library experience and personal connections.

  For more information on this program, follow this link: LIFT : Earlham College

• The Academic Enrichment Center

  The Academic Enrichment Center, or AEC, is equipped to help you to discover your learning style, working habits and understand why you may be experiencing some learning challenges. The AEC provides peer tutors for one-on-one tutoring sessions and for pre-arranged group sessions for many math, science and social science courses taken by first-year students. The AEC also houses the college’s accessibility services and will support your needs and accommodations.

  See the Center’s website to explore things such as time management strategies, study tips, note-taking strategies, exam prep, understanding plagiarism, and more!

• Academic Advising and Career Coaching

  Academic advisers and career coaches are available to meet throughout the entire year. This advising and coaching process will help students choose classes that best fit with their needs and interests, explore post-graduation options, review resumes and other career-related documents, and much more!

  Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser regularly by emailing them directly, and schedule an appointment with a career coach through Handshake by clicking here: Handshake (joinhandshake.com)