Celebrate First-Gen Week (Nov. 7-11)
Coinciding with the National First-Generation College Celebration day on November 8, join You First at VCU and other campus groups for a week-long celebration of our first-generation students and their successes.
2023 First-Generation Student Success Research Grants Available
With funding from two grants, one from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and a second from the U.S. Department of Education, You First at VCU invites applications for funding to support scholarly activity focused on (a) first-generation student success and (b) improving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) first-generation and/or low-income college student’s success. Projects may address diversity; underrepresented perspectives; student success barriers (social, academic, health related, and financial); new approaches and innovations to enhancing student success; faculty engagement in activities related to success of first-generation students; and teaching/learning approaches. You First at VCU is also interested in supporting interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary scientific approaches pertinent to the success of first-generation and AAPI students. These awards provide funding of up to $7,500 to faculty.
You can review the Request for Applications PDF and submit applications electronically here.
You can review the Request for Applications PDF and submit applications electronically here.
What is a first-generation college student?
If neither of your parents or legal guardians earned a bachelor's degree, then you are a first-generation college student.
How do I connect with other first-gens?
A new student organization, You First at VCU, formed in 2018. To find out more about the organization and to become involved email youfirst@vcu.edu.
VCU awarded $2M grant to expand first-generation student center
Grant supports expansion of You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center.
Class of 2021: Elijah Dawson, the first in his family to graduate from college, has big plans
The School of the Arts student is ambitious and has a passion for art history and research. “The goal is to have a ‘Dr.’ in front of my name.”
VCU awarded grant to expand its You First program
A $200,000 grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund will allow You First at VCU to become the You First at VCU, First-Generation Student Success and Research Center.
Details »