First Generation Students

The T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center is committed to advocating and supporting First Generation (“First-Gen”) students and alumni. First Gen students come from families where neither parent nor guardian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the United States or persisted past a high school diploma.  

This page is filled with resources, articles and tips to help you navigate the career process and prepare for next steps. Your path to college is filled with experiences that have given you marketable skills. We want to help you articulate those experiences in a way that can help you find a career path that aligns with your unique skills, interests, and goals. 

According to NACE, these are some career barriers facing First-Gen college students:  

  • Less likely to access resources  
  • May lack a professional network or networking skills  
  • May not ask career-related questions or may be unfamiliar with the career development process  
  • May lack mentors or role models  
  • May not have the opportunity to take on a low-paying internship  

Our Career Coaches are versed in helping you navigate towards the many resources and opportunities available to you, especially when it comes to out-of-classroom experiences like research, internships, campus groups and events, and experiential learning. They can also support you in preparing for your next step after you graduate, such as graduate school or applying to full-time jobs. We want to make sure you can make the most of your experience at UCCS with individualized support. 

 

Career Support

Explore our website and if you want to learn more, schedule an appointment with one of our coaches or attend one of our many career events. 

Additional Campus Resources


  • Student and Family Connections First2Go

     

    Provides individualized support to students and connects them with other first-generation students and their families, as well as others in our community – such as faculty and staff – that were also first-generation.
    All first-generation students who graduate from UCCS will have the opportunity to pick up a cord to wear at Commencement to highlight and recognize their accomplishments.
  • UCCS Office of Financial Aid
    Helps students identify and understand their university financial options and provide information and guidance.
  • UCCS Scholarships
    Each year, UCCS students are awarded almost $14 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state and national sources.
  • Academic Advising
    Supports incoming and current students with developing an academic plan, course selection, transferring credits, auditing seniors’ coursework, and so much more.
  • Excel Centers
    A network of four centers, each offering a unique program of academic support and tutoring to help all UCCS students succeed in every aspect of their academic careers, including languages, mathematics, multiliteracy and science.
  • Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center
    Provides mental health services, health services, nutritional guidance, and educational programming that are collaborative, accessible and meet the needs of a diverse student population.
  • Dean of Students Office
    Maintains and administers the University Student Code of Conduct, serves as a student advocate, provides assistance to students in crisis, and supports students by directing services and programs that enhance students’ education and provide life-enriching experiences.
  • Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness, and Community (MOSAIC)

     

    Advocates for the academic, personal, and social development of underrepresented students at UCCS. The office is located in University Center.
  • The LGBT Resource Center at MOSAIC
    Provides resources and information to LGBT+ students, advocate for LGBT+ interests throughout campus, conduct outreach and education, and ensure LGBT+ voices are represented among the campus at large. To contact the LGBT+ Resource Center, call (719) 255-3447 or email lgbtrc@uccs.edu.
  • Disability Resources
    Promote an equitable and inclusive experience by providing reasonable accommodations for students and advancing awareness and education within the campus community.
  • Veteran and Military Affairs
    The McCord-Herbst Student Veteran Center is open to all military-affiliated students with free beverages, snacks, study areas, computers and military-friendly resources. Located in Gateway Hall next to the Gateway Garage on campus.
  • International Affairs: Education Abroad
    Assists you as you start mapping your journey for an exciting and challenging international education experience.

Professional Organizations

  • I’m First – An online community celebrating first-generation college students with links to first-generation friendly colleges and universities and student-directed questions and answers. 

  • Rise First – Empowers first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students and professionals nationwide to achieve their full potential by providing life and career advice, lists of support resources and mentorship opportunities through a technology platform with online tools. This platform is built for and by FGLI students, providing a real-life business and professional experience. 

  • First Gen Fellows – Organization that connects first-generation college students interested in civil rights and social justice to fellowship opportunities and an extensive network of alumni and participants. 

 

Articles

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