1st at the First


The 1st at the First Program is dedicated to bringing together UGA undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college. This program supports first-year first-generation students at the first state-chartered university in America to share their concerns, get their questions answered and develop campus confidence and knowledge. We are here to help support students as they are trying to navigate campus and help them form a community with other first generation students.

Additionally, 1st at the First provides an opportunity to train to become a 1st at the First Ambassador, ready to lead and mentor the next class of first in the family students, establishing yourself as a campus leader in your very first year at UGA.

How It Works

The 1st at the First Leaders’ Institute will meet twice a month for one hour in the evening virtually on Zoom. Each meeting will begin with a time for sharing experiences and your questions with fellow students, followed by activities to help develop confidence on campus and identify their leadership abilities.

In the second semester, students will have the opportunity to practice leadership by working in a group on a special project pertaining to the experiences of first generation students. Students who complete the Institute will be able to apply to become 1st at the First Ambassadors and will receive a specially designed lapel pin. They will also have the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills by mentoring the next cohort of leaders.

What Students Will Gain

The Institute is designed to help students develop

  • confidence in their ability to successfully navigate the campus and life at a research university
  • a community of friends who are sharing the unique experiences of first in the family students
  • understanding of majors and graduation, relevance of the curriculum and campus resources for student support
  • comfort with college protocol and customs
  • communication skills and academic relationship building
  • leadership skills, academic goals and success strategies

Your Next Step

Contact firstgen@uga.edu to apply and make sure to attend our next session!

Our Partners

The 1st at the First Leaders Institute was developed in partnership with the Office of InstructionDivision of Student AffairsDivision of Academic Enhancement, and Office of Institutional Diversity.