Welcome First-Generation Students and Supporters!

First-Generation (First-Gen) students are defined as those whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor's (4-year) degree. Often, First-Gen students and families have additional areas to navigate when transitioning into college life. At Lawrence, we recognize no two students are alike; however, there may be some shared experiences that we can help support you with. 

By creating specific outreach for this community that includes one-on-one coaching and mentoring, leadership development, career planning, and special events, Lawrence's aim is to help those students unpack the 'hidden code' of college, answer common questions in safe spaces, and limit the effects of “I wish someone would've told me that in college!

First-Gen Student Engagement and Support

We have many ways that we engage, support, and celebrate our First-Gen students, faculty, and staff at Lawrence University.

  • Student Organizations - First-Gen Student Association (FGSA)
  • Honor Societies - Alpha Alpha Alpha
  • Student Support, Mentorship, and Success Programs - LEAD for first-year students, 1847 Scholars
  • Celebrations - New Student and Family Welcome Lunch, National First-Gen Celebration Week, Senior and Family Celebration
  • Employee Resource Group (ERG) for First-Gen faculty and staff
  • Financially - grant supported resources for things that enhance their academic experience (study abroad flights, conference fees, graduate school application support, etc.)

Requesting Support

If you are requesting financial support, please complete one of the forms below. The first is for all non-study abroad related requests, and the second is for all study abroad related expenses. Upon completion of your submission, click into the Navigate link that is shared to schedule a follow-up appointment with Kristi Koshuta to finalize requests and purchases. 

Students in the woods

Unique First-Gen Programming

Lawrence offers specialized programming for First-Gen students like, Alternative Spring Break, which received national recognition from FirstGen FORWARD.

Explore Alt Spring Break Story
Posse incoming class of 2024-2025

Lawrence Posse

Lawrence’s Posse is a local community, that is part of a national movement of teachers, counselors, and community leaders who identify incredible high school students and provide the economic and social support network to help them succeed at Lawrence.

Explore Posse at Lawrence