First-Gen Fridays Feature New Faces

The University of Scranton's THR1VE program recently launched a pilot initiative called First-Gen Friday, intended to address concerns of first-generation students regarding career trajectory and finances. The program was developed after an initial needs assessment revealed that managing finances and navigating career development were the biggest stressors for first-gen students across all class years. While participation at previous programming targeting these areas was minimal, feedback from students indicated that they were still concerned about these issues but were not attending the educational events.

Based on this feedback, the THR1VE program decided to bring the services directly to the students through the First-Gen Friday programs. The first Friday of every month was dedicated to information regarding services and supports for the first-generation community at the University of Scranton. The advisory committee, composed of entirely of first-generation students, expressed willingness to try this approach and laid the groundwork for the program. First-Gen Friday sought to create a time and place where students could interact with relevant offices effortlessly. The goal was to provide interactive programming that would allow students to get to know the staff members of these offices and reduce their hesitation in attending formal educational presentations or office hours.

To inform students about the First-Gen Friday program, THR1VE utilized the monthly newsletter, which typically highlights upcoming programs, campus services, and available resources for students. In preparation for the First-Gen Friday initiative, each partner office was asked to contribute their expertise to create visually appealing infographics that provided students with information about their respective areas. By including information about the upcoming First-Gen Friday events in the newsletter, students were made aware of the program and could anticipate the services and activities that would be available to them.

The first First-Gen Friday initiative took place in March and featured the Career Services team. Students had the opportunity to receive walk-up resume reviews, LinkedIn profile touch-ups, networking tips, and advice on navigating career fairs. As a unique incentive, free professional headshots were offered to all participants. The photos were professionally edited and emailed to the students, along with tips on using social media during a job search and networking at the upcoming career fair. This format allowed students to choose the services that suited their individual needs.

In April, the Financial Aid partners were featured in for our First-Gen Friday. Staff engaged students in a trivia game with various themes related to personal budgeting, FAFSA information, student loans, and "The Office" trivia (a nod to the university's location in Scranton, PA). Students had the chance to win prizes throughout the event. The Financial Aid office also used this opportunity to discuss their online financial wellness platform, which experienced increased participation after the First-Gen Friday event. The platform offers financial wellness modules aimed at increasing financial literacy among undergraduate students.

The participation and feedback from both the Career Services and Financial Aid initiatives were positive. These offices have expressed satisfaction with the program and have reached out to other offices to host interactive events with the students they serve. The First-Gen Friday initiative proved to be an effective way of directly addressing the concerns of first-gen students and providing them with valuable resources and support in a way that was meaningful to our students!