Press

Three years ago, a student at Columbia University started a conference to support and encourage first-generation and low-income college students…. The student-run events aimed to add confidence; explain common approaches to first classes, internship and jobs; and help first-generation students — estimated to be one-third of college students — feel supported and connected.“
– RUTH SERVEN SMITH, The Daily Progress, “Conference at UVA discusses support network for first-gen students”

Moderator leads discussion among students — Former Programs Chair and current National Team member Michaela Moses moderates a discussion among students on Day 1 of the 2019 National Conference.

[The conference] stretched over three days in March and drew nearly 200 students and administrators from UVA and 20 schools around the country. Day one examined the issues first-gen and low-income students face. Day two focused on solutions, and day three examined what to do with all the newfound knowledge.”
– JANE KELLY, UVA Today, “Students Lead the Charge to Make UVA a Destination for First-Generation Peers”

Former Conference Co-Director and current National Team member Josh Farris hosts an organizing meeting the day before the 2019 National Conference at UVA. Photo by Dan Addison, UVA University Communications. Courtesy of *UVA Today*.

[Josh] Farris didn’t hear the term “first-generation” — and didn’t think to apply the label to himself — until his third year at UVa, when he attended a conference for first-generation and low-income college students called AL1GN. Learning about social ideas of first-generation and low-income college students [at AL1GN] helped to solidify some of his experiences at UVa, he said.”
– ZACK WAJSGRAS, The Daily Progress, “Opening the door for other first-generation students”

Inquiries

We’d love to hear from you. Please contact us via the form below to get in touch with a team member. Response time is typically 1-2 business days.