What is First-Generation Initiatives?

At MSU Denver, 59.7% of undergraduates are First-Generation Students and the First-Generation Initiatives Program in the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub). The C2Hub serves as a resource for current First-Generation students as they navigate campus, alongside campus partners. We encourage and empower the Roadrunner community to embrace and celebrate the intersecting identities of First-Generation college students.

Students who can gain a post-secondary education have more significant opportunities for better jobs, higher education, and significant contributions to their communities. At MSU Denver, we recognize the importance of diversity when it comes to the next generation of leaders and highly value our First-Generation students for their contributions to the student body.

Who are First-Generation college students?

As defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, the following definition is used by the First-Generation Initiatives when describing First-Generation students:

  • An individual both of whose parents or legal guardians did not complete a Bachelor’s degree;
  • Or in the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent or legal guardian, that parent or legal guardian did not earn a Bachelor’s degree.

Mission

To raise awareness, increase retention and graduation rates of First-Generation students.  

The mission will be carried out by building community, serving as advocates, providing education on the First-Generation experience, influencing university policies and practices to be more inclusive of the First-Generation identity, and developing meaningful co-curricular programs and university initiatives that support First-Generation students.  

Values

Leadership

  • FirstGeneration students are resilient. They have overcome many obstacles to be in and stay in college therefore, they are leaders.  

Empowerment

  • FirstGeneration students are paving the road for younger siblings, parents, friends, and future families. A college degree is life changing and there is pride in being the first to take this step forward.   

Community

  • FirstGeneration students are not alone. There is a large community of people who identify with them and/or want to see First-Generation students succeed. They are united in their experiences.  

Collaboration

  • FirstGeneration students have intersecting identities that shape their experience. To best support them through their college journey, collaboration with other university programs and services is essential.  

Advocacy

  • FirstGeneration students have unique experiences and intersecting identities. University policies, practices, and programs should be created with First-Generation students in mind. The goal is to increase education, awareness, and visibility of First-Generation students. 

 

First-Generation Features

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Classroom to Career Hub

First-Generation Initiatives is a program within the Classroom to Career Hub.

Questions? Contact us below.

Send First Gen Support an Email

Classroom to Career Hub

Office: JSSB 320

Phone: 303-615-1133