First-Generation Student Support

First-generation college students are commonly defined as either those whose parents have no college experience or those whose parents did not graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

This experience can be challenging for students and families, as they learn to navigate college for the first time. We believe that this experience also provides first-generation students with a unique level of reflexivity, resilience, civic-mindedness and resourcefulness.

Our programs, trainings and coaching are built to celebrate and hone those skills, among others, while providing space for first-generation students to connect with one another.

Approximately 14% of PC students are first-generation students.

PC Firsts is an organization that supports first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education.  PC Firsts builds community, offers social and academic support, and creates a reflective environment for students. The program teaches students how to navigate the college community, balance relationships between home and campus, and create a network of support from peers and faculty.​​​

For many first-generation students, finding a department, connecting with someone to talk to about an issue, or finding the necessary resources can be an overwhelming experience. Therefore, in addition to the mentee and the mentor relationship, PC Firsts also facilitates workshops in which students are challenged to learn the skill sets that will be useful in their transition into college and the work field.

Our workshops vary from providing information on how to network to giving advice on how to find your way, as well as outlining several campus departments and available resources to our students. Some examples include:

• ​Academic issues (course selection, study habits, time management)
• Getting involved on campus (intramurals, clubs and organizations, etc…)
• Career Advice (planning for graduate school, learning about career choices)
• Relationship building with peers, roommates, friends, and others

Stay up to date with PC Firsts here

Note: Regardless of organizational mission, all Providence College clubs/organizations are open to all students.

The PC1G is a campus-wide initiative is designed to help first-generation students and their families thrive at Providence College. This is a collaborative effort that brings together faculty, staff and students to create a campus where first-generation students are empowered to succeed.

We are nationally recognized as a FirstGen Forward campus for our programs, coaching and the training we provide to staff and faculty to ensure they recognize the unique strengths that first-generation students bring to the classroom and campus community.

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership provides trainings each semester to help faculty and staff understand the unique experience of first-generation students, learn about the unique strengths they bring to the classroom, and how they can be supportive partners in their academic and personal success. Faculty and staff who complete our training are considered “FirstGen Partners”. A full list of partners is provided below.

We host a series of annual events to celebrate and connect first-gen students.