In recognition of National First-Generation College Student Day, Oglethorpe joined colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the resilience and achievements of students who are the first in their families to attend college. 

The first event of the day was the First Generation Student Support Summit, which brought students together for a day of interactive sessions aimed at empowering “first-gen” students. Participants engaged in workshops that enhanced necessary skills for academic success, including navigating university life and exploring meaningful career paths.

“I gained a lot of motivation at the summit,” said first-gen sociology student Angelina Flores ’28. “I didn’t realize how many first-generation students there are. I’m very proud of being a first-generation student, and my parents didn’t get to go to school but I’m here for them. And I know there are a lot of people that are here for the same reasons.”

Beyond academic support, Oglethorpe is dedicated to creating a strong community for first-gen students. The second event of the day was the First-Generation Celebration, which invited first-generation students, faculty and staff to come together to share their experiences, offer encouragement and celebrate each other’s achievements.

One of Oglethorpe’s most impactful partnerships is with TheDream.US, which provides scholarships to immigrant students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.

A Dream.US scholar who attended the celebration shared their appreciation for the strong first-gen community at Oglethorpe.

“It’s been really nice to have people here that share the same experiences as me, belong to the same group as me and understand the struggle of what it’s like being an undocumented student in college and also sharing that first-generation experience.”

Over 40% of Oglethorpe students are the first in their families to attend college, often navigating new challenges without the guidance of family experience. To support them, Oglethorpe offers specialized resources like personalized academic advising, career counseling and tutoring, backed by a network of dedicated faculty and staff allies. 

Oglethorpe proudly supports first-generation Petrels by partnering with foundations to provide financial aid, leading initiatives that help Atlanta educators and institutions better understand the first-gen student experience, and more.