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:

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.