Each year during the week of November 8, the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center hosts the college’s First-Generation Student Celebration as part of the national celebration by the same name. But our first-generation activities aren’t limited to one day a year. The Chaiken Center hosts workshops, brings in first-generation alumni speakers, and organizes meet and greets for first-generation Liberal Arts students throughout the year.
Nearly 25 percent of Penn State undergraduate students are the first in their families to graduate from college. The Chaiken Center is your place to find support and resources for first-generation students in the college. We also partner with the Penn State Chaiken Center to help students find their community and resources to help them navigate college as a first-gen student.
A student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a baccalaureate degree.
First-Generation Committee
In the fall of 2022, the Chaiken Center for Student Success formed a First-Gen Committee of students, faculty, and staff to provide greater support and community to the first-gen population in the College of the Liberal Arts. Thirty-two members are currently involved in the committee.
Our Mission
To engage and support Liberal Arts first-gen students by identifying their needs and informing our student success efforts. We are also building a sense of community and belonging around the identity of first-generation college students.
Interested in joining the committee? Fill out this form to get started.
First-Generation Pathways Fellowship
The First-Generation Pathways Fellowship is a three-semester program designed to help first-gen students explore their strengths, build career readiness, and prepare for life after graduation. Fellows receive mentorship, leadership, and professional development opportunities, and up to $2,000 to support professional growth, post-graduate expenses such as entrance exam fees, or out-of-classroom experiences.
Applications for the current cohort are now closed. Check back during the fall 2026 semester for future opportunities.
Fall 2025 Fellowship Recipients:
Alyssa Nigel
Alyssa is a third-year majoring in Political Science. She is a member of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Committee, the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success First-Gen Committee, the Panhellenic Council, and the THON Donor and Alumni Relations Committee. Post-graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public services where she can advocate for women’s rights.
Through this fellowship, she is looking forward to developing a clearer sense of direction in her future career path and build upon her leadership skills.
“What makes me most proud of being a first-generation college student is that I am setting an example for my younger brother and establishing a new standard for my family as a whole.”
Luna Nunez-Peralta
Luna is a second-year double majoring in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies. She works at the Penn State Paul Robeson Cultural Center, where she supports students from different backgrounds, helps to organize events, and contributes to creating a welcoming space for underrepresented communities.
Through this fellowship, Luna is looking forward to gaining more guidance and support as she plans her next steps after graduation and pursuing a career as a Victim’s Advocate with the FBI.
“What makes me most proud of being a first-generation college student is knowing that I’m paving the way for more Latina women to pursue careers in fields where we’re not often seen. There are times when I walk into classrooms and don’t see many faces that look like mine, but instead of letting that discourage me, it motivates me.”
Outstanding First-Gen Student Award
Milan Dukes
A dedicated leader and advocate, Milan Dukes has made a lasting impact on Penn State’s first-generation community. As an active member of the Liberal Arts First-Generation Committee and the University’s First-Gen Advocates, she has helped elevate first-gen voices through storytelling, strategic initiatives, and community-building efforts. Her commitment to amplifying student experiences and expanding access to resources has strengthened support systems and fostered a greater sense of belonging for first-generation students across the college.
First-Generation Student Resources and Support
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First-Gen Glossary
Bursar’s Office: Responsible for maintaining student accounts (tuition, fees, etc.)
Federal Work Study: A federal program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial needs
Late Drop: Dropping a course after the regular drop period and before the late drop deadline; $6 fee for each late drop; noted on a student’s record
LionPATH: Student information system that provides access to academic, registration, and financial records
Prerequisite: A course that a student must complete prior to take another
Registrar: Office responsible for student academic records (course registration, transcripts, withdrawal, etc.)
Syllabus: An outline of the subjects in a course of study or teaching. Often outlines assignments, course policies, grading scales, and office hours
What-If Report: Shows how a student’s completed and in-progress courses will apply toward requirements for any major or minor (found in LionPath)
Withdrawal: A student’s decision to remove themself from all of their courses and discontinuing their study from the University.
University Support
First-Gen Advocates
First-Gen Advocates (FGA) is a registered student organization that aims to amplify first-gen students’ voices while building a community for first-gen students at Penn State. FGA and the University’s Student Success Center offer personal, leadership, and career development opportunities. The organization’s student leaders provide important resources to support student success and host social events for first-generation students to network and connect.
Tri-Alpha National Honor Society
Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, is an honor society for first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The Eta Psi chapter at Penn State University Park hosts an application process each year, opening on November 8 (National First-Gen College Celebration Day) and closing in February. Selected applicants are invited to an induction ceremony typically held in late April. In April 2024, Patty Klug, director of the Chaiken Center; Clarence Lang, Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts; and Ali Roman, a 2024 Psychology alumna, were inducted into Tri-Alpha.
First-Gen Liaisons
Our First-Gen Liaisons connect first-gen students with faculty and staff across the college who are committed to supporting their success. First-gen liaisons serve as approachable points of contact for questions, mentorship, and campus navigation. Find and connect with a liaison in your area of interest.
Christina Hughes
Milan Dukes
Milan Dukes
Milan Dukes
Trinidy Manison
Alivia Peterson
Questions?
Please reach out to Patty Klug.
