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. The West Chester's First Initiative exists to celebrate, support, and empower first-generation college students as they navigate higher education and build pathways to opportunity. Through this initiative, students gain access to vital resources, meaningful connections, and welcoming spaces where they know they belong.

Some of West Chester's First initiatives include:

• Events and information sessions that connect first-gen students with peers, faculty, and staff
• First-gen pride items like t-shirts, stickers, and pennants that build identity and belonging
• Educational programs that demystify college culture, academic titles, mentoring, and problem-solving
• The First-Gen Internship Prep Program, helping students gain career readiness skills needed to obtain jobs and internships
• The EXL Scholarship provides financial support that helps first-gen students get experiential learning opportunities
• Tri-Alpha (ΑΑΑ) Honor Society, recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of high-achieving first-generation students
• National First-Generation College Celebration Day
• Graduation pins and photos that honor this milestone moment

Since 2019, West Chester University has been recognized as a FirstGen Forward institution, affirming our deep commitment to first-generation student success.

A gift today helps first-generation students open college doors, walk through them with confidence, and step into a future full of possibility.