FirstGenU is a virtual program provided in partnership with the Morgan Stanley Institute for Inclusion and designed to help first-generation college students across the country develop the skills and confidence to navigate the professional world. Through FirstGenU, students have access to a self-paced online curriculum, virtual enrichment events and social hours, and a community of first-generation peers committed to career success.
Join the FirstGenU Career Institute to gain access to our online career development curriculum as well as opportunities to engage with peers and professionals through virtual events. This is a flexible, short-term program that is offered five times each year. Students who complete the program earn robust alumni benefits including a certificate of completion, access to a network of professionals, information about internships and other professional opportunities, continued support through ANY, and more.
We are currently recruiting students for our FirstGenU Career Institute: Spring 2026. Please register here by Tuesday, February 17, to join this upcoming cohort. Program dates are Monday, February 23 – Sunday, March 29.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in FirstGenU, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Information Sessions
To learn more about FirstGenU, join us for one of our upcoming virtual information sessions:
The FirstGenU curriculum includes fifteen modules across three pathways, focused on helping students develop essential job search, leadership, and career management skills. Each module takes only an hour to complete and is entirely self-paced, allowing students to fit FirstGenU into their schedule however works best. Learn more about each module here.
Job Search Skills Pathway
Connecting the Dots: College to Career
Networking
Preparing Application Materials
Interview Skills
Navigating Workspaces
Leadership Skills Pathway
Communication Skills: Writing, Listening & Speaking
Leadership & Teamwork
Organization In & Out of the Workplace
Project Management
Skills for the Modern Workforce
Career Management Skills Pathway
Career Planning
Managing Your Personal Brand
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Identity in the Workplace
Life After College
Students who complete our program are much more prepared to pursue their career goals and equipped to put the skills they learned into practice.
We are eager to partner with colleges, universities, and community-based organizations that are passionate about supporting the career development of first-generation college students! Please reach out to FirstGenU@americaneedsyou.org to learn more.
To participate in FirstGenU, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
You will earn the following benefits after completing all of the modules associated with at least one pathway during the FirstGenU Career Institute:
Each of our modules takes only an hour to complete, and we offer 10 modules across two pathways. Completing one pathway takes approximately 5 hours, and completing both pathways takes approximately 10 hours. The FirstGenU Career Institute lasts for 5 weeks, so on average the commitment is 1-2 hours/week.
Furthermore, the modules are entirely self-paced, so you can complete them on your own schedule at any time throughout the program.
During the FirstGenU Career Institute, you will be invited to live, virtual enrichment events where you will be able to connect with your peers, our staff, and volunteers. These events are not required however we encourage you to attend if you’re available as these are great opportunities to expand your network, practice the skills you are learning, and enhance your professional development. You will receive more information about these events during your time in the program.
Examples of previous enrichment events have included:
Additionally, you will also be able to join optional weekly social hours throughout the FirstGenU Career Institute. These are a casual way to get to know your peers in an informal environment and build a sense of community within our program.
You will receive an email within a few days of registering for a FirstGenU Career Institute to confirm your acceptance to the program. Once the FirstGenU Career Institute officially begins you will gain access to our online modules, receive invitations to our virtual enrichment events and social hours, and receive weekly communications from us throughout the program.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to FirstGenU@americaneedsyou.org.
If you have questions about FirstGenU, please reach out to FirstGenU@americaneedsyou.org.
Our
