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West Virginia University REACH Student Success

First-Generation


Leading the Charge

As Mountaineers, we go first. And we know that you are leading the charge by navigating the college experience on your terms.

We are here to help you step into your own power, find your strengths and support you when you run into obstacles or challenges. We are here to build a community of first gen students, alumni, faculty and staff. Let’s go!


WVU Community:

Check the Events page for the most up to date FirstGen Celebration Week lineup.

Am I FirstGen?

You’re a first-generation student…

  • If neither of your parents or guardians completed a four-year degree from a college or university within the United States.
  • If your parents earned an associate’s degree.
  • If you live with only one parent or guardian who provides all your support, and that person doesn’t have a four-year college degree.
  • If you have a sibling that earned a two-year (associate) or four-year (bachelor) college degree, but your parents did not complete a four-year degree.
Do you identify as FirstGen?


SUPPORT OUR FIRSTGEN STUDENTS

Click on the button, then specify you'd like to donate to the Sue Day-Perroots First Generation Student Success Fund – 2V539. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Support Us

Connect with our firstgen community

At FirstGen Initiatives, we are here to support you during every step of your journey to graduation and beyond!

Connect with Us

  • Attend fun events with friends and other FirstGen students, faculty and staff.
  • Find a sense of belonging among friends and community.
  • Make connections with mentors and other FirstGen students, faculty and staff.
  • Explore resources that help you navigate college life as a FirstGen student.
  • Celebrate your achievements and the accomplishments of your fellow FirstGen peers.
  • Students in the Center for Learning, Advising, and Student Success (CLASS) can take a first-year seminar course just for FirstGen students.
Questions about FirstGen Initiatives? Email us!

Annual Events

We hold events and activities throughout the academic year, but here’s a few of our annual favorites not to miss!

  • Game/Trivia Nights
  • De-Stress Nights
  • National FirstGen Celebration
  • Faculty/Staff Gathering and Panel Discussion
Sign up to receive our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming FirstGen activities View all upcoming events
 

MEET YOUR PEER MENTORS

Matteo

Matteo Pandolfi

Matteo is currently a sophomore here at WVU. He is from Lebanon PA. He is majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, with an area of emphasis in PR. As a FirstGen student he believes that making friends and asking questions is the best way to fit in and make it. “We aren’t on our own, it may seem like it but we are not!”

Matteo is excited to be back on campus and see all of his friends he made to create new memories! He is more than excited to be a peer mentor to help students that were in his shoes not too long ago!

Request to be matched with a peer mentor

Downloads

FirstGen Wordmark


FirstGen wordmark Download FirsGen Wordmark

I am FirstGen Door Card


FirstGen door card Download Door Card

I Support FirstGen Door Card


FirstGen door card with yellow background Download Door Card

I am FirstGen Email Signature


IAm-FirstGen Download I am FirstGen Email Signature

I Support FirstGen Email Signature

ISupport-FirstGen Download I Support FirstGen email signature
Request print products

Climbing to New Heights at WVU and Beyond

We are committed to scaling up resources, programs and services to best support you – our first-generation students! – so we joined the First Scholars Network. As part of a growing community of 45+ higher ed institutions across the country, we are improving the overall campus experience for you inside and outside of the classroom.

Meet Our Steering Committee Members Learn more about the First Scholars Network