First Generation Students
I'm First strives to build a supportive community for first generation students at Penn State Abington. As first-generation students, students enrolled will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree in the US.
We provide students with resources, a faculty/staff mentor, and opportunities to feel supported on campus. Students enrolled in I’m First are eligible to be inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society for First Generation Students. I'm First is supported by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
What are First Generation students?
- Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree.
- Students enrolled in the program are eligible to receive
- I’m First shirt,
- faculty or staff mentor,
- invitation to the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society,
- access to exclusive trips,
- community of support throughout campus.
Programming
I’m First hosts monthly Chat n Chews that offer students the opportunity to connect with one another, faculty/staff, and learn more about campus resources. Join our Engage member list to stay up to date.
Alpha Alpha Alpha
Alpha Alpha Alpha or Tri-Alpha is the honor society that recognizes academic achievements of first-generation college students. To be inducted into Tri-Alpha undergraduate students must have 36 credits and a 3.2 GPA. Graduate students must have a 3.5 GPA and 9 credits. Inductions are held during the spring and fall semester at Cultural Graduation.
Students who are inducted receive graduation cords, a pin, certificate, and lifetime membership. There are no costs associated with Tri-Alpha.