First-Gen @ EMU

First-generation college students are critically important and an increasing population at nearly all higher education institutions. Currently, at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), we are proud to celebrate that 1 in 4 students personally identify as first-generation college students. A first-generation college student is defined as an individual whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have not completed a 4-year bachelor's degree. The First-Gen @ EMU initiative provides a platform of support to launch EMU as a premier public university that catalyzes the transformation of first-generation college students' legacies and is recognized for its intentional commitment to equitable, accessible, and sustainable student success practices that promote the inclusivity and belonging of EMU’s rich first-generation community.

Whether you identify as a first-generation college student yourself or you are a supporter of first-generation college students, together we have the opportunity to serve a profound purpose, creating an opportunity to uplift the next generation of First-Gen Eagles. This campaign embodies the spirit of "lifting as we climb." It is a call to action, a rallying cry to come together and pave the way for those who are the first. With your support, EMU can build a legacy of empowerment, breaking down barriers for first-generation students and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

First-Gen @ EMU asks you to join us in this noble endeavor of investing in those who are trailblazers in their own personal stories. Your support is not just a donation; it's a statement—an affirmation of resiliency, an investment in building opportunity mobility, and a commitment to shaping the future legacies of First-Gen Eagles.