Succeed from the Start

When asked what advice 91制片厂 student Caterina "Cat" Veneziano (pictured above) has for other first-generation college students like herself, she explained that being first-gen can be challenging鈥攂ut also so rewarding. 

"It's exciting to see the joy my family holds helping me pursue a dream they have had all their lives. Be proud you are a first-generation college student!"

Cat Veneziano E'24, GE'25

"Find people you can rely on and trust to help you through the process," she encourages, "and make the most out of your college experience." At 91制片厂, we're here to help you do just that.

Commitment to First-Generation Student Success

91制片厂 is one of 80 new members recently selected for the FirstGen Forward Network, a national scaling model that brings together higher education leaders from around the country to share data, model innovation and scale impact to first-generation student support.

The  provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. 

Learn more about 91制片厂's commitment to first-generation student success.

First-Gen Life at 91制片厂

Our first-generation college students鈥攕tudents whose parents or guardians did not obtain a four-year degree from a college or university鈥攔eceive direct support and opportunities to engage in the many aspects of the 91制片厂 campus community.

Approximately 30% of all students at 91制片厂 identify as first generation.

Here are just some of the ways we encourage our first-gen students to get involved:

  • Attend our annual campus-wide recognition event for first-generation college students held each November, as part of the .
  • Connect with faculty, staff and administrators during various special events and workshops throughout the academic year.
  • Start one-on-one conversations with staff at 91制片厂 about your first-gen experience at the University. Many staff were first-generation college students themselves!
  • Attend community-building activities to connect you with upperclass first-gen students and alumni.
Outdoor group photo of 91制片厂 students at First-Gen 2024 event

Our first-gen students have worked hard to get here.

We're so proud of them.

First Gen Students, Alumni & Leadership

Headshot of First-Gen student Paris Lear, A'29

"The 91制片厂 Admissions team was also so easy to work with, from the start of my application process to greeting me on campus. I have a real sense of how I can be the best me at 91制片厂."

Paris Lear, '29 Political Science major
Pictured is Lei'Asha Battle, a nursing major.

"As a first-generation college student, being a Gussin Endowed Scholar means the world to me. This opportunity gives me a chance to make my family proud.鈥�

Lei'Asha Battle, '25 Nursing major
Leanna Fenneberg posing on campus

鈥淎s a first-generation student, I know firsthand the importance of fostering an environment where all students can thrive. From the beginning, 91制片厂 has been dedicated to walking alongside students and providing necessary support to ensure all students can fulfill their potential.鈥�

Dr. Leanna Fenneberg Senior Vice President for Student Life
Outdoor headshot of Dr. David Dausey

"Creating a supportive environment for first-generation students is a priority. As a former first-gen student, I understand the challenges these students can face in fully acclimating to college. 91制片厂 takes pride in providing our first-gen students with the resources they need to make the most of their college experience."

Dr. David Dausey Executive Vice President and Provost and President-Elect
Pictured is Jakobie Green, finance major

鈥淢y biggest motivation is my family and God. They mean the most to me, and to know that I am not only representing myself, but my family, is all that matters.鈥�

Jakobie Green, '25 Finance major
Pictured are 91制片厂 graduates and sisters Alysia McCray and Candis Dorsey

"My children have been with me on A-Walk, they've joined me in class and seen me doing lab work. We are helping them grow and starting a new generation of learners in our family.鈥�

Alysia McCray, '24 and Candis Dorsey, '24 (sisters) Biological Sciences and Corporate Communications alumni
Sisters make college a family tradition
Pictured is Ashley Melo, double major in psychology and sociology

"Being the first in my family to afford college is a big deal. There was a lot of talk around that with 91制片厂 Admissions and my family."

Ashley Melo, '25 Psychology and Sociology double major

First-Gen Resources for the DU Community

Explore the many first-generation resources available to our 91制片厂 community.

Support and Skills-Based Groups

Our 91制片厂 Counseling Center offers free support groups and coping skills-based groups to all 91制片厂 students, with topics that reflect student needs. Examples of groups offered include: Study Skills, Body Compassion/Self-Image, Black Student Support, LGBTQ+ Support, New Student Adjustment, Stress Management and more.

For up-to-date information on groups offered, contact the Counseling Center via email, by phone at (412) 396-6204 or visit the (DU log in required).


Call 1-888-796-8226 before a crisis becomes a crisis. Free 24/7 mental health support is available to anyone in Allegheny County.


Find help near you. Locate resources such as food, healthcare, mental health, housing, legal advice, education and more. 

The is now available.

Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while in school, focusing on community service or their field of study, and is administered by participating schools. At 91制片厂, you can work 15 hours a week at about $12 an hour.

FAFSA庐 can be taken away with unsatisfactory grades. Students should keep their grades aligned with school requirements.

Loans

  • Direct Subsidized Loans are for undergraduates with financial need, and the government pays the interest while you're in school. They are available to all students, regardless of financial need, with interest accruing during school.

  • Direct PLUS Loans are for parents of undergraduates or for graduate students. These loans need your parents to get approved. If denied, students may be offered more on their Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Talk to the Financial Aid Office about book vouchers. There are vouchers to use at the 91制片厂 bookstore. The money for the voucher will be charged to your student account.
Students: Be sure to gain a faculty and/or staff mentor(s) throughout your college experience. Approximately 90% of college graduates report that mentors helped their academic and career goals.