Being Proud of Being First
Celebrating First Gen Week Nov. 4-8
UNC is proud of its first-generation students. First-gen students are those who are first in their families to earn a college degree.In fall 2024, UNC enrolled 44% first-gen undergraduate students versus the national average of 34%.
UNC is a NASPA-designated FirstGen Forward Institution. The FirstGen Forward network is a national, collaborative effort that serves millions of first-generation students at hundreds of institutions.
The university is hosting a week of programs and events to raise awareness about the unique challenges and successes of first-gen students, faculty and staff. The experiences can create opportunities to strengthen our first-gen community and foster more social and professional connections.
Being First is something to celebrate.
Remember, you belong here!
Being a first-generation college is an accomplishment to celebrate. UNC has a long history of offering programs and services to support first-gen students so they receive the financial, social and learning support they need to be successful.
UNC’s First-Generation Student Scholarship and other scholarship programs offer support services from your first day on campus until after you graduate. To help you navigate our campus and to enhance a sense of belonging, UNC offers these programs and resources:
- Strong support systems: Dedicated resources, programs and student centers, mentorship programs and financial aid tailored to first-gen students’ needs.
- Community building: Initiatives to foster a sense of belonging among first-gen students through events, social gatherings and peer connections.
- Academic guidance: Specific advising programs to help first-generation students navigate college expectations and academic pathways.
