Building Connections, Confidence, and Community: The Impact of SLA for GenJacks

Raquel Skidmore, Abby Coker, Stephen F. Austin State University / FirstGen Forward / January 27, 2025


Stephen F. Austin State University Blog

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), a member of the University of Texas System, is a medium-sized public institution in Deep East Texas, where more than 40% of students are first-generation. To support these trailblazing students on their path to success, SFA offers Generation Jacks (GenJacks), a unique academic learning community designed specifically for first-year, first-generation students. This program is designed to help students make the transition from high school to college and provides the resources, guidance, and support needed to help them thrive academically and achieve their goal of becoming the first in their family to earn a degree.

One of the many benefits of the GenJacks program is the Summer Leadership Academy (SLA)—a fully funded, three-day, immersive experience designed to set first-year, first-generation students up for success. Held the week before the fall semester begins, SLA offers workshops, social events, and interactive learning activities, all at no cost to participants.

A key advantage of SLA is early move-in—students can settle into campus life three days before their peers, giving them valuable extra time to adjust before classes start. This shared experience, combined with the program’s supportive environment, fosters a strong sense of social belonging and connection among GenJacks students.

During SLA, participants meet their GenJacks counselor, a junior or senior student mentor who provides guidance, support, and encouragement throughout a GenJack’s first year at SFA. Having a dedicated peer mentor ensures that students have a reliable source of advice as they navigate the challenges of college life—many of which are new experiences for both them and their families.

Additionally, SLA features a campus resource fair, at which university departments introduce key services, share helpful information, and provide free resources and swag. This event helps GenJacks students familiarize themselves with the essential tools and support systems available to them, setting the stage for a confident and successful first year.

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“GenJacks has provided me with a community that I never thought I would find in college. The program, mentors I have found in the program, and the friends I have made have given me an endless amount of support and have provided me with so many great resources.” – SFA First-Generation Student Needs Assessment 2022

During Summer Leadership Academy (SLA), we incorporate engaging social activities that not only create fun memories but also serve a deeper purpose—helping students build connections and confidence.

One of the highlights is a campus-wide scavenger hunt, which encourages friendly competition while allowing students to explore the campus, locate essential offices, and become familiar with key resources. Additionally, students participate in a college-specific campus tour, where they are grouped by their academic college. This unique approach helps them discover major-specific resources and support services tailored to their field of study.

Another popular activity is speed friending, designed to help students quickly get to know one another. Students line up facing each other and answer thought-provoking questions before rotating to meet someone new. This fast-paced and interactive exercise fosters meaningful connections in a short amount of time.

Beyond social bonding, SLA incorporates personal reflection activities that emphasize shared experiences and a sense of belonging. Recognition Taps allow students to acknowledge each other's contributions, reinforcing their value within the community. Stand Up for Your Lumberjack and Big Talk encourage open conversations about common first-gen challenges, reminding students that they are not alone in their journey.

At SLA, students realize they have at least two things in common—they are first-generation, and they are not alone. These shared moments build trust, strengthen relationships, and empower students to embrace this new chapter with confidence.

"I was able to meet friends and not feel completely alone. If it were not for GenJacks, I would have probably moved back home."— SFA First-Generation Student Needs Assessment, 2022

GenJacks Post Assessment Survey Question: What was your favorite part about SLA and why?

  • I loved spending time with my counselor and group!! My counselor was so sweet and kind!
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  • The new friends I met.
  • I really liked the standing for your lumberjack because it made me open my eyes and realize that I went through the stuff I went through and so did a lot of other people.
  • My group and my counselor really made me, and my group feel we were adults, but we were also there to learn I didn’t feel like a kid being put in a spot and being told what I can and can’t do.
  • My favorite part about SLA was definitely getting to know my small group of ladies. We had so much in common and it made me feel as if college wasn't this daunting social experience. I feel like I can have a fresh start!
  • My favorite part was connecting with everyone because we all have something similar about each other. 
  • My favorite part about SLA was hanging out with my group. We all got along really well from day one. I will remember our inside jokes forever.
  • Getting to meet people, I became more acquainted around campus.
  • I liked the scavenger hunt because my group was very competitive, and we all tried our very best during it.
  • Bonding with people around me.
  • Meeting new people and the tap the shoulder thing. It made me feel appreciated.
  • Getting to meet new people gave me the chance to feel comfortable walking into this new chapter in life.
  • The scavenger hunt competition was my favorite. 

For more information on Stephen F. Austin State University's approach, please visit their website here.