West Chester First Initiative

The West Chester 1st initiative supports 4,000 students who are leading the way by being part of the first generation of their family to go to college. First-generation college students don't have a parent or guardian with a college degree to help guide them, so the West Chester's First initiative celebrates and supports WCU's first-generation college students by providing access to resources, opportunities to connect, and spaces to build community.

Some of the West Chester's First initiatives include:

• Events and information to meet other first-gen students, faculty and staff
• West Chester's First t-shirts, stickers, and pennants
• Educational programs (e.g., demystifying academic titles, mentoring, problem solving)
• First-Gen Students of Color Internship Prep Program
• Student newsletter with tips, resources, and activities
• National First-Generation College Celebration Day
• Graduation pins and photos

Since 2019, West Chester University has been named a FirstGen Forward member institution that acknowledges higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.

Your donation will help continue our commitment to supporting first-gen students as they open the college doors to their futures.