University of North Texas 
Five years ago, the University of North Texas established a dedicated space to support the more than 40% of undergraduates who are the first in their families to attend college. Since then, the First Generation Success Center has grown to serve over 4,000 students, hosted 45 programs, and fostered a strong sense of community among first-generation learners.
A Commitment to Student Visibility
For Maddie Lindstrom, FGSC’s work is rooted in filling the gaps, gaps she experienced during her own undergraduate years. Lindstrom, who was the first in her family to go to college, felt unfamiliar with the college experience. She didn’t have a family history in higher education and often navigated college without "insider information." The experience shaped her perspective. Now an FGSC student service coordinator, Lindstrom approaches her role with a focus on patience and accessibility, ensuring the college journey is supportive for others.
"The way I take student appointments or talk to students at events or in the hallway comes from wanting to be the person I wish I'd had," Lindstrom explains. "To be someone who sees me, who understands that even if they've answered the same question a thousand times, I still don't know the answer, and they're going to answer the question again with the same patience every single time."
Bridging the Knowledge Gap
While many first-generation students have families who act as their "biggest cheerleaders," without a similar lived experience, they may not be able to help navigate challenges that occur during the college journey – like financial aid, money management or career readiness. Katie Hermes, FGSC director, notes that FGSC provides an "on-demand" safety net for students who don't have all the answers figured out.
To ensure student success, FGSC collaborates with campus and community partners to provide academic support, financial education, career preparation, and a strong sense of belonging and connection. Programming begins with First-Gen Experience during orientation and includes peer networking, guest speakers, workshops and panels. Group activities also involve parents, creating a strong support network and fostering a welcoming environment. Throughout the college journey, FGSC is there to provide:
- Career Preparation: Working with the Career Center and G. Brint Ryan College of Business to help students prepare for their future careers, including résumé building, networking workshops and skill building.
- Post-Graduate Transitions: Partnering with the Graduate School to connect students with referrals and guidance as they explore advanced degrees.
- Financial Literacy: Collaborating with Student Money Management to not only normalize conversations about budgeting and savings, but provide financial tools and resources.
- Professional Connections: Connecting students with local professionals from companies like TIAA and Capital One.
By senior year, first-generation students finish strong with First-Gen Career Week, a week of career readiness and leadership development.
The Generational Impact of a Degree
The influence of the center is most visible during its graduation ceremonies. Hermes recalls a non-traditional student and Hurricane Katrina survivor whose graduation was attended by her children and grandchildren. After the ceremony, the student's son expressed that he was so inspired by his mother’s perseverance that he now wanted to enroll at UNT himself.
"I think seeing the generational impact that obtaining a college degree has on families... we're really fortunate to be in a position to create that generational change," Hermes says.
Future Goals for the Center
As the center enters its next chapter, the goal is to expand its reach to alumni interest groups and build connections with the community at large.
"We are never going to stray from celebrating our first-generation students and championing their successes," Hermes says. "We’re going to find joy even when things can be tough."