First Generation Students

Katelyn Candido, a second-year medical student at PSOM and aspiring neurosurgeon, researches a novel tool’s utility for improving surgical precision. Informed by experiences as a first-generation Hispanic student, Candido also deeply values the human-centered side of medicine, helping drive equitable care in Philadelphia and beyond.

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Who, What, Why

Who, What, Why: Katelyn Candido on improving surgical procedures and keeping health care human-first

Second-year medical student Katelyn Candido shares insight into her research project on a promising tool for improving surgical precision and efficiency, and why she aims to drive equitable patient care through a career in neurosurgery.

3 min. read

Marc Lo (left) and Enmanuel Martínez (center) speaking with Mayokun Omitogun (right)

Through Penn First Plus, students unlock potential and purpose

Providing first-generation and limited-income students with a comprehensive array of support, Penn First Plus equips undergraduates for success during and after their time at Penn.

5 min. read

Russell Composto at a conference table gesticulating with undergraduates.

Q&A

Russell Composto talks leading Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group

In a Q&A, Russell Composto, vice provost for undergraduate education and chair of Penn Forward’s Undergraduate Education and Innovation working group, talks about the guiding principles of the team and what it means to think boldly about the future of the undergraduate experience at Penn.

8 min. read

Jennifer Morton stands in front of Cohen Hall at the University of Pennsylvania.

A public-facing, interdisciplinary, and student-centered approach to philosophy

Philosophy professor Jennifer Morton’s experiences growing up in Peru during the politically turbulent 1980s and ’90s and as a first-generation college student shaped her research interests.

4 min. read

Amy Gutmann receives Yale Legend in Leadership Award

Gutmann accepted the award, presented by five current and former university presidents, at a ceremony on Jan. 28.

Penn expands financial aid for middle income families

The initiative expands Penn’s long-standing commitment to need-based financial aid, guaranteeing no-loan financial aid packages to eligible students and families since 2008.

Two students addressing a group of people outside College Hall on College Green.

Kite and Key Society celebrates a century

Students share the campus and their experiences at Penn with visitors in person and online, forming meaningful friendships and lasting connections.

A person wearing a backpack outside a university building.

From college community to career path

Joyce Kim, an advanced doctoral student in sociology and education, wants to know what motivates undergraduates—especially those who are the first in their families to attend college—to choose the career trajectories that they do.

An image of Franklin Field with 2028 spelled out in red and blue.

New Student Orientation for the Class of 2028

The New Student Orientation for the Class of 2028 includes a roster of events ranging from a primer on Penn traditions to dinner and dancing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to walking tours and introductions.

Celebrating family firsts and resourcefulness in the Class of 2024

Lynn Larabi, Crystal Marshall, and Jason Chu all entered Penn as first-generation college undergraduates and the children of immigrants and pursued different paths: political science, film, and finance and accounting.

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