First-Generation Programs
Are You a First-Generation Student?
If neither of your parents/guardians have a bachelor's degree, then you’re a first-generation (first-gen) student even if you have a sibling who is attending college or graduating ahead of you. As a first-gen student you have what it takes to succeed, but sometimes financial, family, academic or work pressures can make the first-gen student experience particularly challenging.
I always leave the meet ups with a new understanding of new information that I didn't realize I needed to know
All the advice and support I have been given has helped me continue to stay motivated with my coursework here at UofL.
Choose your fit
1st UP
Small group peer mentoring with other first-gen students plus workshops to develop your college knowledge & personal skills.
Weekly group meetup (Wednesdays or Thursdays, 12 -12:50). Includes free food!
Small group peer mentoring & a one-on-one meeting with a success coach.
READY Mentoring
One-on-one mentoring with UofL faculty or staff member for personalized support as you transition to college and build your network of success.
Every-other-week mentor appointment at a time convenient to the mentoring pair.
Six 30-minute mentoring meetings in the fall and six in the spring with your faculty or staff mentor.
Second to None
Exclusive experiences and leadership opportunities just for upperclass students, including the chance to tour local companies and meet diverse professionals, travel outside Louisville, and build your financial confidence.
New programming is paired with curated resources across campus—you decide what you need to level-up your skills.
Multiple events per month with a community of supportive first-gen peers.
Benefits of Program Participation
Completion Grant
Earn grants to help fund your college education.
Network
Get to know your community and create connections on campus that can help future careers.
Improved Success
Participants in our programs are more likely to stay enrolled at UofL, earn a higher grade point average, and earn more credit hours.
Mentoring
The high school to college transition isn't easy, and it can make a huge difference in your experience when you have someone who can help by providing advice, guidance and resources tailored to exactly what you want and need to make the most of your time at UofL.
The Student Success Center offers peer mentoring and faculty/staff mentoring opportunities for new first-generation students. We offer two distinct programs for first-year students The programs are each a little different, but the benefits are the same.
- Community-building and connection with fellow students, faculty and staff
- Introduction to academic & campus resources
- Leadership opportunities through campus organizations and other involvement
- Resources for a successful college transition
- Support that sets you up for success during your college career and beyond
What does an Ambassador Peer Mentor Do?
Ambassador Peer Mentors are a part of the Student Success Center and provide support to first-generation students at the University of Louisville. They help first-year students negotiate college transitions, form campus connections and facilitate student success by guiding, supporting and advising them throughout their first fall and spring semesters. Our Peer Mentors empower first-generation students, creating a lasting positive impact on their college journey.
Types of Mentoring
Ambassador Peer Mentors– 1st UP
Ambassador Peer Mentors are outstanding student leaders who help ease college transitions, facilitate campus connections, and support your success at UofL as part of our 1st UP Program. These mentors offer valuable insights for first-generation students, providing support for academic and personal challenges.
First-Gen READY Mentoring
READY Mentoring matches first-time freshmen with a UofL faculty or staff member for one-on-one mentoring. What you and your mentor discuss will be largely determined by you and your experience transitioning to UofL, but no matter what the topic you can count on your READY Mentor to help connect you to people and resources that will enhance your success inside and outside of class.
Become an Ambassador Peer Mentor
Nobody knows the UofL experience better than our current students, and that's a big reason why peer mentor programs are so important. Mentors can help students negotiate college transitions, form campus connections and help facilitate student success. As a mentor, you’ll share your lessons learned and tricks of the trade, and you’ll offer your valuable insights about the inevitable academic and personal challenges new students often encounter. Applications Open in February and close the beginning of March
Other Important Connection Points
- First Year Experience Events & Resources
Be sure to take advantage of the First Year Experience events (Welcome Week, Winter Welcome and more) and resources, such as the UofL Lingo list and First Year FAQ. There's a lot to do and to learn, and the First Year Experience team wants to make sure you're ready to take advantage of every opportunity have the support you need to de-mystify the ins and outs of college life. - TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO helps low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities achieve a bachelors degree by offering students individual and group advising to foster positive study habits and academic success. They also offer a comfortable learning environment, financial counseling, leadership opportunities, cultural excursions, and academic workshops. Participation is free; learn more by clicking the link above. - Generation Cardinal Living-Learning Community
You can take advantage of an enhanced and personalized learning experience by being part of a themed living community geared specifically toward first-gen students. Meet and take classes with other students who share this identity and gain additional support navigating the college transition. This community is housed in the state-of-the-art Belknap Village South residence hall. - Student Success Coordinators
Student Success Coordinators are here to help you solve problems and develop solutions. Coordinators work collaboratively with faculty and other staff to provide guidance and support if you're experiencing academic, financial or personal difficulties. - First-Generation Student Recognition
The SSC celebrates all of UofL's first-gen students at the annual National First-Gen Student Celebration on or around November 8. In addition, fall and spring graduates receive an honor cord, which is a mark of distinction you may wear at Commencement and hold onto as a keepsake.
UofL is a FirstGen Forward Network Champion
The University of Louisville has been recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion, identifying our university as a national leader in advising first-generation efforts. UofL was awarded this designation in 2024 as part of the inaugural group of only 14 institutions, with fewer than 35 institutions nationally having received this highest honor as of 2025.
“Not only is University of Louisville doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education.” -Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward
