First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and experiences to the William & Mary community. They can also face unique challenges, such as a lack of familiarity with the higher education environment and financial barriers. William & Mary has been working to increase its support of these students in recent years, and a new partnership will bolster those efforts.
William & Mary has been selected for a partnership with FirstGen Forward, an organization that collaborates with universities, philanthropists and government organizations to support first-generation students in achieving their maximum potential. FirstGen Forward stated that the nod honors W&M’s “demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.”
Joselia Souza serves as the inaugural director of W&M’s Office of First-Generation Student Engagement. A first-generation college graduate herself, she explained that the FirstGen Forward partnership provides a network of support for building first-generation initiatives.
“It’s a really great thinking space to bounce ideas around and share insights,” she said. “There’s veteran knowledge from people who have been doing it for years and years and years, and there are also people who are just starting, like myself. We all come into this space to learn from each other.”
First-generation initiatives at W&M began in 2020 with the foundation of the FGLI (First Generation & Low Income) student organization .
The group focuses on building community and providing an atmosphere that supports and celebrates the diverse perspectives and talents of first-generation students. FGLI hosts workshops, panel discussions and empowerment sessions. More than 200 faculty and staff have shown support since its creation.
FGLI members advocated for an administrative office within the university that supports first-generation students. As a result, the Office of First-Generation Student Engagement was established in February 2024. The office provides community-building activities for first-generation students as well as resources and guidance that they can use to assist them in taking full advantage of opportunities at W&M.
“As both an incoming transfer and a first-generation student, the Office of First-Generation Student Engagement has been an incredible resource,” said Alexia Parker ’26. “Being a first-generation student can feel a bit isolating at times, as we make up a small percentage of W&M. That’s why having the office is so important.”
Parker said that it brings her peace of mind knowing that there is a space where first-generation students’ questions and concerns can be heard and addressed without judgement.
One of the first steps that Souza took as director of the office was to organize First-Gen Fridays, which take place on Friday afternoons at The Daily Grind.
“It was really important to have opportunities for campus partners to meet face to face with students,” she said, “but also for us to put on our own programming and give the students a space where they can meet regularly and just be themselves.”
Some First-Gen Fridays feature information sessions like financial literacy workshops or Cohen Career Center presentations. Others are more informal and can include activities such as card games, karaoke, music or studying.
Through Souza’s efforts, W&M first-generation students also have the opportunity to join Alpha Alpha Alpha, an honor society that supports the academic and professional growth of first-generation students, faculty and staff. Student members have the option to wear a Tri-Alpha cord when they graduate.
“During Family Weekend, 80 undergraduate students and 26 faculty and staff were inducted into Tri-Alpha,” said Souza. “It was really exciting for the students, because they were able to celebrate their academic achievements with their families.”
Souza’s office also launched the Griffin Mentorship Program in which faculty, staff and alumni mentor first-generation students in building academic, professional and personal skills. First-year and sophomore students are paired with faculty and staff who help to familiarize them with campus life and available resources. During their junior and senior years, students are matched with alumni mentors in their chosen field and receive career guidance, support and networking tips.
All of these initiatives have been generated by the Office of First Generation Student Engagement since its inception. The new partnership with FirstGen Forward will provide collaborations to facilitate further program development to celebrate first-gen students both at W&M and nationwide.
“Being successful as a first-gen student or professional is having people who will champion you,” said Souza, “and I feel like that really happens at W&M. University leadership and faculty here prioritize first-gen initiatives, and they work to make things happen.”
Laura Grove, Research Writer