First in the Pack: A first-generation college support program

First in the Pack is designed to supplement existing federally funded first-generation support programs at the University of Nevada, Reno.

About our program

First in the Pack type identifier

First in the Pack is a college student retention program designed to develop the necessary skills and agency in first-generation and income-qualified students. The cornerstone of the program is First in the Pack peer mentors who are generally upper-class students that build positive and trusting relationships with program participants to provide the support necessary to succeed in college. Currently, First in the Pack is funded as part of President Brian Sandoval's diversity initiative. First in the Pack’s mission is to develop the necessary agency in first-generation and income-qualified (receive the Nevada Guarantee) students to meet their academic, social and career goals.

Program eligibility

First In The Pack is a college support program serving undergraduate students during their Freshman and Sophomore years, who meet the following eligibility requirements:

First-generation student or income-qualified (receives the Nevada Guarantee)
Full-time student
First-time freshman
And/or receives Former Foster Youth waiver

You do NOT need to have U.S. citizenship to be eligible for First in the Pack.

Program expectations

Attend a program orientation
Regularly meet with assigned peer mentor throughout the semester
Attend semester workshops by the First-Generation Student Center
Regularly check emails for program announcements and opportunities
Complete assigned curriculum exercises with assigned peer mentors through Webcampus
Maintain regular communication with peer mentors throughout the semester
Submit a faculty progress report every semester

Our mission

Our goals are to develop the necessary agency in first-generation students and income-qualified students (receive the Nevada Guarantee) to meet their educational, social and career goals.

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.