Helping students overcome barriers to higher education

Our mission is to help students who will be the first in their families to complete a baccalaureate degree, and income-qualified students to overcome class, social and academic barriers to higher education. We believe all students should have an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend and graduate from college.

Our programs

First-Generation Coalition

The First-Generation Coalition is committed to increasing the awareness of the unique challenges of first-generation students at the University of Nevada, Reno. This group of professionals are devoted to empower first-generation students to thrive at the University and beyond.

First-Generation Coalition Homepage

First in the Pack

Nevada First in the Pack is a program designed to help first-generation college students succeed in obtaining a college degree. First-generation students are students in families where neither parent has graduated from a four-year college or university.

First in the Pack Homepage

TRiO Scholars and TRiO STEM Scholars

TRiO's mission is to assist income-qualified, first generation University of Nevada, Reno students to overcome the cultural, academic, class and socioeconomic barriers to success in higher education through services provided during their entire college career.

TRiO Scholars Homepage

McNair Scholars

McNair Scholars provides research opportunities and other related academic experiences that promote the acquisition of the doctoral degree for first generation, low-income, and underrepresented University of Nevada, Reno juniors and seniors.

McNair Scholars Homepage

Upward Bound

Upward Bound provides first-generation, income-qualified high school students in the state of Nevada with free college preparatory services and support to develop the skills and knowledge essential for successful admission, persistence and completion of postsecondary education.

Upward Bound Homepage

Upward Bound Math and Science

Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of first-generation, income-qualified high school students, helping them develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science.

UBMS Homepage

Diversity, equity and inclusion statement for the First-Generation Student Center

Emanating from the struggles and achievements of the Civil Right Movement and President Lyndon Johnson’s “unconditional war on poverty,” our programs have the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion at the core. All programs under the administration of the First-Generation Student Center strive to provide access and opportunities to minoritized populations in higher education.

View the records retention policy for the First Generation Student Center.