First to Fly: First Generation at Monmouth

Welcome First-Generation Monmouth Hawks! Congratulations on being the First to Fly!

First to Fly: First Generation at Monmouth are student-centered initiatives designed to support and celebrate students and families who identify as a first-gen.

Being first generation can be a complex identity. Identifying as first-gen can be an important source of pride and motivation to succeed. First-gen college students can be defined as the first member of their immediate family to attend college or whose parents / guardians may have some college, but have not attained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.

In 2020 the Center for First Generation Student Success recognized Monmouth as a First-gen Forward Institution. The nation-wide First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Opportunities to Connect and Get Involved with First to Fly

The First to Fly Student Club is a student organization for first gen students by first-gen students; Join us if you are interested in connecting with other first-gen students and contribute to first-gen community building.

Look out for the 2021-2022 Learning to Fly Series. This series offers first-gen themed personal development workshops and guest speakers for anyone interested in the first-gen college experience.

Watch for an invitation to join the First to Fly Student Advisory Committee. Service on this student committee is an opportunity to take a leadership role at Monmouth and help shape first-gen activities (New in 2021)

Participate in First Generation College Success Week November 8-14, 2021. For the third year First to Fly will celebrate first-gen student success with a week of special events.