The First-Generation Leadership Program is designed to instill pride in students for their First-Generation identity, empower them as leaders, develop academic confidence, and create a sense of family among First-Generation students.
All First-Generation students who have recently graduated high school who are beginning their first-year of college at MSU Denver, who want to grow as a leader.
Students who participate in the First-Generation Leadership Program will spend a year learning about leadership, academic success skills, and getting to know other first-generation students in what we call their Family Group.
A Family Group meets once a week throughout the fall and spring semesters. Family groups are a place for students to develop long-lasting bonds and learn helpful topics such as time management, study skills, values based leadership, multicultural leadership, and more. Family groups are led by what we call a Family Leader.
A Family Leader is an experienced college student who serves as a mentor and resource for student participants. The Family Leader provides both academic and personal support for students by developing trusting relationships with each student in their Family Group. Family Leaders meet at least twice a semester with each student in their family group where they do goal setting, answer questions, and get to know each students’ academic and personal life experiences.
Family Leaders also lead Family Group Activities, which are fun ways for students to get to know each other outside of the formal Family Group Meetings each week. Additionally, Family Leaders hold study hours each week for students to participate in.
Study Hours are our way of encouraging healthy study habits that create an accountability system amongst students in the program. Students are required to go to study hours at least once each week.
In the spring, once students feel confident in their leadership skills they will participate in a Service Project led by their Family Group. The service project will be a way for students to practice their leadership skills and will be another item to enhance their resume.
This is a very competitive program. To ensure your spot in the program, it is best to apply early.
Update Fall 2021:
Unfortunately, the deadline to join our First-Generation Leadership Program for 2021-2022 has closed. Applications will open for the 2022-2023 year in May of 2022.
First-Generation Initiatives is a program within the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to swing by our office, give us a call, or email us. We would love to hear from you!
Questions? Contact CMEI
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Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) 237
890 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
303-615-0019
P.O. Box 173362, Campus Box 39, Denver, CO 80217-3362