Discover Northeastern University's commitment to First Gen students in the latest First Gen FM podcast episode. Join me, Jen, as I journey solo this week, pulling back the curtain on the scholarship selection process, particularly focusing on the Torch Scholars Program. This week's episode shares stories and insights, as I recount the moments from …

Unlock the secrets of the College Prep Scholars (CPS) program with Dr. Christian Martell from Questbridge. We zoom in on CPS and its role as a stepping stone for high-achieving, low-income, high school juniors aiming for the Questbridge National College Match. Learn about the program's history, its application process, and the unparalleled strategi…

Have you ever considered every turn in your path as a stepping stone towards your true calling? Dr. Ashanti Chunn, our guest from Tennessee State University, shares her compelling switch from biology to education and how it fueled her passion for mentoring first-generation college students through the transformative You FIRST Project. Join us on Fi…

What does it feel like to navigate the world of academia as a first-generation and working class graduate student? This week, I had the privilege of exploring this question with Lauren Harvey, a current PhD student at Rice University. With personal experiences and a wealth of insights brimming from her own journey, Lauren doesn't hold back as she d…

Join Julie Carballo, the assistant dean of students for first-generation and military affiliated initiatives at North Central College, and me for an enlightening journey as we explore the Cardinal First program. Julie's not just an advocate, but a beacon of hope for first-generation college students, guiding them through the labyrinth of higher edu…

Ever wondered what it takes to truly empower first-generation college students? Denise El Habach, a fierce advocate and a Gear Up Coach at Youngker High School, Buckeye, Arizona, has some answers that might surprise you. With an insider's perspective, Denise takes us on a journey into the inspiring and challenging world of working with first-genera…

Meet Zach Desjardins, a first-generation student turned holistic academic advisor at the University of Albany. His story, from almost losing his college dreams due to financial aid errors to finding his way through with the Upward Bound program, is the embodiment of resilience, determination, and dedication. In our engaging conversation, we explore…

Ever wondered what it takes to be a first-generation student of color in a predominantly white institution? Gregory Saint-Dick, diversity advocate and the director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins us to shed light on his personal journey in higher education. Gregory gives us a glimpse into his …

Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we welcome D'ric Jackson, a first-generation college student turned advocate, who is reshaping the narrative around higher education. With a background inspired by the '90s Spider-Man series and a dedication to psychology, Derek's unique lens turns an often daunting experience into a thrilling adventure, a s…

Yvonne Green works in the Broward County Schools and shares her work with the BRACE Cadets, a group of students who are selected, receive training, and then create projects to share information about going to college and paying for it. We talk abut the primary and secondary gains these mentors get from the program, and the impact of the program in …

This week, Matt Newlin and I talk about his role consulting with college campuses about creating successful systems for first-generation, rural, and low-income students. We spend time talking about Matt's journey to and through college, move into a conversation about debt management and financial literacy, and then helping faculty understand what i…

Art by and for first-generation students provides a creative outlet and a powerful way to connect with student experiences. Art work in first-generation spaces is important, and art made by first-generation students is even better. M.C. Damm, assistant director of Boston University's Newbury Center talks about their first-gen art initiative, how ar…

Ryan Fewins-Bliss is the Executive Director of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). He shares his thoughts on the messages first-generation, BIPOC, and other students and families are receiving about going going to college, and how we need to have a data-informed approach to counteracting these messages that college is not for you. Ryan talk…

Today I talk with Dr. Natalie Hart, a former student who was a Washington State Achievers Scholar at the University of Washington while I was the director of that program. Our conversation covers her from third grade when she knew she'd be a doctor (an astronaut doctor?), to her mentors that encouraged her to dream big, and what she learned about m…

Michelle Onaka, a recent TRIO SSS academic counselor, instructor, and data coordinator at Oregon State University, talks about engaging students in conversations around money. We talk about how to start conversations, about credit cards and debt aversion, investing, and even making plans to repay loans after graduations. Michelle shares the course …

Storytelling for students, especially first-generation students can be empowering and enlightening, Learn how to help students tell authentic, meaningful stories, for admissions, scholarships, interviews, and even dates! Dr. Rebecca Wiltberger Wiggins joins me to talk about storytelling (and tells a few stories about her family and her experiences …

FirstGenFM is broadcasting to high school and college educators who are working with first-generation college and college-bound students. It will be like a mini-conference session each week with takeaways to help you and your students thrive and learn about success. My goal is to create a web of knowledgeable advocates for first-generation students…