First-Generation Programs @ Northern Arizona University

Supporting and facilitating the success of first generation and low-income college students is one of the critical challenges facing higher education today. At Northern Arizona University (NAU), where over 45 percent of our recent freshman cohorts are first generation college students and 44 percent of our students come from low-income households, we have tackled this challenge by creating an office of First-Generation Programs. The office administers an innovative suite of programs, which have transformed the experience of these students and demonstrated efficacy in improving student outcomes.

Support for first generation college students begins well before the first day of class with "First in the Family ” and financial aid workshops during first-year student recruitment and orientation activities. Simultaneously and subsequently, students are encouraged to participate in one or more support programs targeted for low-income and/or first generation students, including:

• Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) – a 5-week summer residential bridge program that provides a credit-bearing academic experience and community-building residential experience.
• TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) – a structured mentoring and academic support program funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, with additional institutional funds to expand the number of first-year students served by the program. 
• The First Scholars program –a partnership with The Suder Foundation; this program provides comprehensive support services and scholarship for first-generation students.
• Blavin Scholars program - a comprehensive support program and scholarship for youth aging out of foster care. 
• Lumberjack Leadership Institute (LLI) – a workshop series designed help first-generation students develop success skills to navigate college life, maximize their college experience, and create a support network of mentors to guide them through college.
• Emergency Textbook Loan program – an assistance program that provides textbook and classroom resources to students in financial need, with financial support from university funds that match an annual donation from our third-party bookstore.
• Louie’s Cupboard Food Pantry – a non-perishable food pantry created to address food insecurity. This pantry is led by student volunteers, who have partnered with a local community food bank and with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, to receive many, small, private donations.
• Celebrating Firsts Awards - outstanding graduating seniors and faculty/staff advocates are selected each year to celebrate the accomplishments of first-generation students and honor the contributions of faculty and staff to their success.

Through multiple, creative funding sources, and increased institutional support over 30 years, the office has been able to expand in its service to more than 1,000 students each year. Learn more about Northern Arizona University's office of First-Generation Programs at http://nau.edu/firstgen.