First Generation Students

1vyG Summit comes to Penn

The annual event will return to campus, featuring panel discussions, keynote speakers, award ceremonies, and networking events, all focused on improving the first-generation, low-income student experience.

Lauren Hertzler

Class of 2026 moves in

New students traveled from near and far Tuesday, settling into College Houses, meeting their roommates, and spending precious moments with family.

Lauren Hertzler



Media Contact


In the News


Philadelphia Inquirer

Penn alum gives $18 million to support first-generation college students

Wharton alumnus Scott Shleifer and his wife, Elena Shleifer, have given Penn $18 million to support first-generation and “modest” or “limited-income” students. “This gift will enable our university to foster an ever more welcoming and inclusive learning environment to prepare all Penn students for successful lives,” said President Amy Gutmann.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Penn student who aged out of foster care wins prestigious Rhodes Scholarship

May graduate Mackenzie Fierceton has been named a Rhodes Scholar, which will allow her to study at Oxford University in England.

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The Washington Post

Bloomberg gift to Hopkins to help middle-income families as well as the poor

Vice President of Finance and Treasurer MaryFrances McCourt spoke about Penn’s endowment for undergraduate financial aid and its support for low-income students.

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CBS News

Bay Area 1st generation college student’s background helping him excel

School of Arts and Sciences senior Victor Arellano was profiled for his summer interning with Motive Power, a San Francisco management consulting firm.

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Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

UPenn provides support services for first-generation and low-income students

Admissions Dean Eric J. Furda and Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for university life, discussed Penn’s support system for first-generation and low-income students.

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“Good Morning America,” ABC News

Student debt crisis: This 28-year-old mom is ‘drowning’ in $80,000 of debt

Penn’s loan-free, grant-based financial aid program was highlighted in a discussion of the burden of student debt. President Amy Gutmann was cited as a first-generation college graduate.

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