News and Upcoming Events
Using self-efficacy strategies to promote student success and build community
June 14, 2024
Graduate student advances university access for Latinx students
January 07, 2021
Valeria Alonso Blanco wants to do anything she can to help Latinx transfer students have a successful experience at UC Santa Cruz.
First-Gen Virtual Symposium - Session Recordings Now Available
December 8, 2020
If you missed the second UC systemwide First-Generation conference (2020), the sessions were recorded and are now available free of charge.
Event Summary - Let’s Talk Money: An Honest Conversation with First-Generation Graduate Students
December 1, 2020
Summary of the Let's Talk Money: An Honest Conversation with First-Generation Graduate Students panel discussion held on Friday, October 23, 2020
First Generation Initiative partners with SSERC to launch student success educational equity project
November 20, 2020
Participatory action research project to study the transformational power of undergraduate student research scholarship
Connecting on campus
July 06, 2020
Social psychologist Rebecca Covarrubias documents the experiences of students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Campus receives $1.5 million from state for 'Basic Needs' programs
September 30, 2019
An infusion of state funds is enabling the campus to expand its "basic needs" programs, including initiatives to make free food available on campus seven days a week and to help students who need emergency housing assistance.
Universities Look to Add More Support For First-Generation Graduate Students
September 9, 2019
Amy King was the first in her family to go to college, and she experienced firsthand the challenges of being a first-generation undergraduate. But when she got to graduate school, she found the adjustment even more difficult.
UC Santa Cruz ranks as a leading university for social mobility
September 08, 2019
UC Santa Cruz debuted as the second best university in the country for social mobility, according to the 2020 U.S. News and World Report rankings.
CollegeNET Presents 2019 Social Mobility Innovator Awards to 10 University Professionals
September 7, 2019
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CollegeNET, Inc., a leading provider of web-based on-demand technologies for higher education and the developer of the Social Mobility Index (SMI), has presented its 2019 Social Mobility Innovator Awards to 10 student success professionals from six universities across the nation:
How can parents of first-generation college students find balance
September 4, 2019
There’s a first for everything. First tooth, first step, first date, and now, millions of moms and dads are sending their kids off to their first day of college. Thirty-three percent of all higher education students are the first in their family to go to college.
Campus increases access for first-gen students
July 22, 2019
UC Santa Cruz increased the number of California students admitted from low-income families, underrepresented groups, and those who will be the first in their family to earn a 4-year degree.
Psychology Professor Margarita Azmitia wins mentor award
April 08, 2019
Psychology Professor Margarita Azmitia has received a mentorship award from the Spencer Foundation.
Gift grows first-gen initiative
February 12, 2019
Interns funded by a gift from the Jacques M. Littlefield Foundation are expanding support for first-generation students.
Undergraduate scholars selected for Koret/First-Gen research program
January 26, 2019
The Koret program provides funding for a variety of undergraduate research projects and experiences.
Standing tall and giving back
June 12, 2018
For graduating senior Asante Nkosi, a double major in sociology and history allowed him to connect his experiences with his interest in black U.S. history, the Civil Rights Movement, and the contemporary moment.
