JOIN US
Our Purpose
We are the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, a.k.a., FirstGen Society, a new organization dedicated specifically for first generation college students and alumni. FirstGen Society unites, empowers, builds confidence, and celebrates first generation college students and alumni by providing our members with social and leadership opportunities through lifelong fellowship, community, and friendship, so that we can achieve excellence together!
Get Involved
We are currently seeking ambitious founding members who would like to get involved with FirstGen Society and be a part of something new, exciting, and meaningful. Help us spread the pride of being a first generation college student. Help us empower our members to build confidence and leadership.
Join us and be the first to help shape the foundation of FirstGen Society!
A New Type of Society
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our Story
Adam, Founding Member
Indiana University
"Being a first-generation college student is a deeply personal and caring journey. It encompasses the realization that education holds the key to unlocking a brighter future, not just for myself, but for my family and the broader community. It is a privilege, a responsibility, and a platform to make a lasting difference. Through my personal perspective and caring mindset, I strive to embrace this role wholeheartedly, championing the transformative power of education and nurturing a supportive environment for all those who follow in my footsteps."
Dalena, Founding Member
Purdue University
"To me, being a first-gen came with a lot of struggles with my identity, self-worth, and discovering my path to success. It was not easy and never will be easy for students facing invisible struggles, but that does not mean it is not possible to succeed."
Shania, Founding Member
Miami Dade College
"Being a first-generation college student is a huge privilege for me. I am sure, this is going to be a pathway of unforgotten challenges that will help me to grow up either my academic and professional life, and above all, being a first-generation student is going to allow me to be a step closer to reaching my goals."
Jenniffer, Founding Member
Jacksonville State University
"The town I grew up in back home is very small, everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows the car you drive. I am the first generation in at least 4 generations of my family to go to college. Being able to make a name for myself outside of my small town speaks volumes to little girls like me; little girls back home who think that they can never be more than a girl from a small town. I worked incredibly hard to be where I am today, and to have the opportunities that I do have."
Soneya, Founding Member
Purdue University
"Being a first-generation college student is an honorable thing for me. It is something that I would brag about. I am not only a first-generation student, but also the first in my whole family to go to college. I feel very honored to be a first-generation student. One thing to keep in mind as a first-generation student is the self-accountability and all the responsibilities we have to bear. It may be hard at first, but it is all worth it at the end."
Jamal, Founding Member
Jacksonville State University
"Being a first-generation college student means to create the snowy trail. The wind and frost blow’s hard against us but if you can overcome this, the footsteps are there to guide the way for the future. It is a representation that change is possible, that anyone is capable of change."
LaPari, Founding Member
Mississippi State University
"Being a first-generation college student is a unique journey marked by determination and breaking barriers. It means navigating uncharted territory, often without the guidance of familial experience, and embracing the challenges as opportunities for personal growth and achievement. The pursuit of higher education becomes a powerful testament to resilience, opening doors not just for oneself but also for future generations, reshaping the trajectory of family narratives."
OUR MEMBERSHIP
How Membership Works
First generation college students will be able to join online or through their Student Club, Collegiate Chapter, or Professional Chapter.
Membership is open to high school and college students who are preparing to be the first or currently are the first in their families to go to college. First generation college student alumni can also join.
BE PROUD
Celebrate and take pride in being a first generation college student or graduate! After all, you are the first!
At the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, a.k.a., FirstGen Society, we are proud to show our pride and spirit.
PARTNER WITH US
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Partnerships are a collaborative effort that offer organizations to work together towards a shared goal. FirstGen Society offers several partnership opportunities where we can help support your mission. Interested in working with us?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, a.k.a. FirstGen Society?
FirstGen Society is a national social organization dedicated specifically for first generation college students and alumni that provides its members with support, leadership development, and lifelong fellowship and community through its Student Clubs, Collegiate Chapters, and Professional Chapters.
What is the purpose of FirstGen Society?
The purpose of FirstGen Society is to connect, celebrate, empower, build confidence and leadership, and inspire personal growth and action for first generation college students and alumni to reach their personal goals as well as reach academic and professional excellence together through lifelong fellowship and friendship.
What does it mean to be a FirstGen Society member?
Being a member of FirstGen Society means belonging to a unique network and community of people who share your pride and purpose of being a first generation college student. As a member, you are part of a lifelong fellowship and friendship that is committed to supporting each other, where members can connect, empower one another, and grow together throughout their collegiate journeys and career paths. Membership provides access to benefits including exclusive discounts, events, content, and more.
Who is eligible for membership?
FirstGen Society membership is open to high school students and college students who are preparing to be or who currently are the first in their families to go to college. In addition, membership is open to first generation college student alumni who have recently graduated or who are in their early, mid, or senior career stages. Though FirstGen Society focuses on first generation college students and alumni, membership is also open to anyone who expresses an interest and would like to join and support the mission of FirstGen Society.
Members can join at different member grades based on their current status (high school student, college student, or alumnus) and may elevate to the next member grade when appropriate. For more information, visit Member Grades & Elevation.
What are the benefits of joining FirsGen Society?
There are many benefits to joining the National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students, a.k.a., FirstGen Society.
By joining FirstGen Society, members will be part of a unique network and lifelong fellowship that connects and unites first generation college students and alumni together through organized chapters and clubs.
Members will have access to social and leadership opportunities where they can engage, network, and support each other.
In addition, members will have access to exclusive member discounts, recognition opportunities, social and educational events, content, and more. To see benefits at a glance, visit Benefits of Your Membership for a list of member benefits and services FirstGen Society aims to provide its members.
How do I join?
Anyone interested in joining membership can join through our Join the Mission page. Active membership is immediate upon joining membership.
At this time, we are currently building our Founding Member base and are recruiting first generation college students and alumni who are interested in becoming a Founding Member of FirstGen Society.
Prospective members may join online directly through our website or join through their school's club or chapter.
For general information on membership, visit How Membership Works.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership dues vary based on the member grades. Currently, we are offering a one-time membership dues for Founding Members for a limited time.
Founding Members will hold a lifetime membership with FirstGen Society. For more information on the one-time founding membership dues, visit Join the Mission.
What is a Founding Member of FirstGen Society?
Founding Members of FirstGen Society are a unique member grade because they are the first set of members to help establish and build the foundation of FirstGen Society. They are lifetime members and hold a special designation of membership.
How do I become a Founding Member?
It's simple.
High school students who plan to become the first in their families to attend college, current first generation college students who are actively attending college, or first-gen students who have graduated college are welcome and are encouraged to join as a Founding Member.
You may join FirstGen Society by visiting Join the Mission to become a Founding Member and learn more.
Is there be a FirstGen Society Store?
Yes. Members can now shop and purchase accessories and apparel to show off their pride as a FirstGen Society member at our FirstGen Society Store.
How do I start or join a chapter or club?
If you are interested and would like to start and host a new chapter or club at your school or community, please complete and submit the form called Partner with Us: Start a Club or Chapter so we can learn how we can work together.
For general information that explains our chapters and clubs see How Membership Works.
What is the refund policy for membership?
Your member experience is our highest priority. If for any reason, you are dissatisfied with your membership or feel your membership is not a good fit for you, we understand.
The National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students offers a full refund of membership within 30 days from initial payment. During this 30-day period, members will still have the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of membership.
For refunds, members will need to request a refund in writing and submit the written request to [email protected] or through our Contact Us page. Please indicate the reason for requesting a refund so that we can better learn and improve on our membership experience.
After 30 days, the refund period expires. The refund policy is stated within our Terms & Conditions which is available publicly on our website.
How does FirstGen Society use and protect my personal data?
At FirstGen Society we respect and protect the privacy of our members.
Visit our Privacy Policies to learn more about how we use your personal information and our overall privacy practices.
How can I partner with FirstGen Society?
FirstGen Society welcomes the opportunity to work with other institutions and organizations that serve first generation college students so that we can align and raise more awareness of existing services and resources available to the first generation college student community. Additionally, we welcome the opportunity to work with third party brands where we can provide value-added benefits and help expand visibility of these brands to our members.
Visit Partner With Us to learn more about the different partnership opportunities we welcome.