First Gen at Calvin

Path breaker. Trail blazer. Risk taker.

What does it mean to be a first-generation college student?

First-generation college students are some of the first in their family to earn a four-year degree. Calvin considers students whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree to be first-gen. First-gen students come from all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether you're a current or prospective student, we're committed to supporting you.

First-gen students are:

• Independent, deciding the next steps
• Resourceful, making connections
• Engaged, learning to the fullest
• Trailblazers, the first to head to college

First-Gen Events

We are excited to recognize the success of our first-generation students, staff, faculty, and alumni throughout the year.

Resources

Students

• Admissions representatives help from the start to finish of the application process.
• Financial Aid can answer your questions about applying for scholarships and accepting loans. Incoming students: You can file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as October 1 for the following academic year. Michigan resident students need to file a FAFSA by March 1, prior to each academic year, to be eligible for state grants.
  • First-gen students also receive a $2000 scholarship for up to 5 undergraduate years.
• Apply to be part of the TRIO Student Support Services program, which provides individualized advising, academic support, resources for success, travel opportunities, and more.
• The Center for Student Success can help with registration and succeeding in class. To get started, check out this First-Year Guide for tips on preparing for orientation and registration as well as connecting with your advisor.
• For dorm life, your Resident Assistant and Resident Director are your go-to people.

Faculty and Staff

• Faculty and staff can learn more about the experiences of first-gen students and get Cross Cultural Professional Development credit by completing Supporting First-Gen Students: Best Practices for Faculty and Staff online modules, put out by First-Gen Forward and NASPA.