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  1. Home
  2. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

I'm First

First-Gen Forward

Penn State is a First-Gen Forward Institution

Credit: Penn State

Penn State Altoona's I'm First program builds a supportive community of first-generation students, faculty, and staff members. We celebrate first-generation students as they will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree in the U.S.

First-gen students at Penn State bring a unique set of experiences and skills to our community, which we value and celebrate. In return, we provide resources such as the Student Success Center, the Belonging Center, the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, and more. These resources help first-generation students navigate the collegiate experience, coach them through challenges, and celebrate their successes and many contributions.

Who are first generation students?

  • Neither of the student's parents, step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree.
  • Students participating in the I’m First program are eligible to receive the following:
    • I’m First swag,
    • faculty or staff mentorship,
    • an invitation to the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society,
    • access to events and activities, and
    • community of support throughout campus.

Program Features

  • Educational Focus Groups
  • Community Chats
  • Networking Sessions
  • Mentoring Groups
  • National First-Gen Celebrations
  • And more

Alpha Alpha Alpha

Tri-Alpha Logo

Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha) is an honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of first-generation college students. To be inducted into Tri-Alpha, undergraduate students must have thirty credits and a 3.2 GPA. Graduate students must have a 3.5 GPA and nine credits.

The inaugural induction of the Theta Chi Chapter at Penn State Altoona will be Thursday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the Pond View Lounge of the Slep Student Center.

Advisers:

  • Erin Shumac, Student Success Advocate
  • Sue Patterson, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

I'm First at Penn State Altoona is supported by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in conjunction with the Student Success Center.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  • Penn State Altoona Diversity Mission Statement
  • I'm First
  • Campus Ministry
  • Ivyside Eats Food Pantry
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Staff
  • Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
  • Falon's Soup Hotline
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Go App
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
Penn State University
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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