First-Generation students comprise around 25% of our campus undergraduate population. SNHU has a First-Gen lounge for first generation students.
SNHU also has the First Gen Initiative, which helps first generation college students through their college experience. First generation student resources are part of the Learning Engagement and Academic Innovation (LEAI), which also works with Wolak Learning Fellows and the Major Ambassadors program on campus.
In the summer of 2023 the First-Gen initiative was awarded a grant by the Davis Educational Foundation, and immediately started working with students to improve the first generation students campus experience.
This year the program has the Penmen First Scholars program. 10 upperclassmen work as mentors to students, run programs, staff the First-Gen lounge, and help come up with ideas about how to help first generation college students on campus.
Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, Director of Campus Retention and Student Success, highlights the importance of having this program and how it can bring students and faculty that have the same background together.
“First-Gen students bring a lot of strengths and amazing qualities to our campus. They are driven, they are disciplined, they are resilient, and they have a lot of grit. If you are a first generation college student, be really proud of that identity. We have a ton of faculty and staff on campus who were first generation students themselves, and some were the first to get their graduate degree. We want to connect all those people together so that our First-Gen students can make valuable connections that will help them after they graduate,” said Zlotkowski.
Michael Winston is a Sophomore first generation college student and a mentor in the program. Winston describes how it feels to be a first generation student and the new place for these students to have a place of their own.
“Being a First-Gen student is a good feeling, but also it can be hard, you can’t go to your family about much because they don’t really know how the college stuff goes. To work with people who are also first gen make this job a successful experience because we all face similar struggles. I can see the first gen program will be around for a long time,” says Winston.
Winston is a mentor this year and sees the impact he makes on the students he mentors and feels like he is making a difference in the students lives.
“Being a mentor this year means a lot to me. I really enjoy helping others and I know that I can make an impact on the kids coming into SNHU that are also first gen like myself, which makes me feel like a good person every time I go in to work,” said Winston.
The office has benefits available to students like meetings and a place to hang out in the first gen lounge.
“We get to provide 1 on 1 meetings with the students throughout the year. We get to see how they’re doing and just try and make an impact on them and be there for them. I think it’s a great program and I’m excited to see how the rest of the year goes,” said Winston.
Abigail Mason is a Junior First-Generation college student. Mason describes what it feels like to be a First-Gen student and how it makes her feel being surrounded by her peers that are also first-generation students.
“Being a First-Generation student to me means you are a trendsetter in your family. It meant that you stand out and that life is calling more from you. I love knowing that others have similar experiences as me. Especially with being a first gen student, we all get to help one another in our journeys,” says Mason.
Mason is also a mentor for the program. She has been able to help students and see them grow.
“Being a mentor is so rewarding, being able to help students and seeing them grow as people, it’s truly amazing and gives you a sense of accomplishment,” said Mason.
The office has helped Mason with her class work and has helped her develop skills.
“The office is truly amazing, and they have helped me in many aspects. The office has helped me with my class work, financial understanding, and building upon my soft skills. They have pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it has only benefited me,” says Mason.
The First-Gen Initiative is more than just an office, it’s a community filled with great people with open arms to any struggling first generation college students.
“I don’t see them as coworkers or classmates, but more like family. Almost as if I’m working alongside my brothers and sisters who are just trying to figure life out with me,” concludes Mason.
For more information, the First-Gen office is located in the Academic Center, Room 109.
