About Us
First-Generation Initiative Represented by Students and Teachers (F1RST) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students at Lehigh University. We serve as a safe space where students can come together to support one another academically, socially, professionally, and personally. Through mentorship programs, workshops, resource connections, and advocacy efforts, F1RST empowers FGLI students and ensures their continued success on campus. Our mission is to raise awareness and implement initiatives that help bridge the gap for students who have overcome significant challenges to pursue higher education.
Our Goal & Purpose for Funding
Access to calculators is essential for many college courses, yet they remain a costly burden for students from low-income backgrounds. To address this, we launched the Calculator Lending Library in the fall, using our club savings to build an initial inventory. However, as demand has grown, our current supply is no longer sufficient to meet student needs.
With additional funding, we aim to expand our inventory by purchasing more calculators, including a wider variety of models, to support a broader range of courses and students. This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not hinder academic success.
Our Plan
We will use the funds raised to:
- Purchase additional calculators to meet growing demand.
- Expand the selection to include different types of calculators required for various courses.
- Maintain and sustain the lending library for long-term accessibility.
By supporting this initiative, you are directly contributing to the academic success of first-generation and low-income students at Lehigh. Your generosity will help us remove financial barriers and create a more equitable learning environment for all.