First Generation Students

Singing the praises of progress for first-generation, low-income students

Kerry O’Neil knew that the University of Pennsylvania was the right place for her, despite its location 3,300 miles from her home in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ivy Degree – Now What? Low-Income Grads Struggle with Careers, Status

Low-income first-generation college students met at Penn in February for the fourth annual 1vyG conference, where President Amy Gutmann welcomed the scholars.

Candy Alfaro Welcomes First-Generation, Low-Income Students

Growing up in the small town of Soledad, Calif., college seemed like a far-off idea for Candy Alfaro. Now a junior, she credits her parents, Mexican-born farm workers, for her determination to be the first in her family to go to college.

Penn student Dave Joseph succeeds with drive, determination and the support of others

If Dave Joseph becomes prime minister of his native Jamaica one day, he will have achieved a long-time goal despite experiencing tragedy there. He says the island is a vital part of who he is and that it drives him to succeed.

Penn Sophomore Is Finding a Voice Within the FGLI Community

As a freshman identifying as a first-generation, low-income student, Sebastián González searched for a space at the University of Pennsylvania where he felt at home. After seeing a Facebook post advertising the Penn First Summit, a town hall for FGLI students on campus last year, his world changed.

First-generation Alumna Strengthens ‘Penn First,’ Seeks Volunteer Mentors

Looking back at her undergraduate days, University of Pennsylvania alumna Leanne Pyott Huebner, who represents the first generation in her family to attend college, remembers feeling “differently prepared” than her peers.

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