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Overview

FirstGenU is ANY’s virtual program developed specifically for first-generation college students and provided in partnership with the Morgan Stanley Institute for Inclusion. Through FirstGenU, students build the skills they need to thrive in the workforce through accessing a high-production online curriculum as well as optional virtual enrichment events. Students are also joining a nationwide community of first-generation peers who are committed to career success.  

FirstGenU currently offers 10 modules across two pathways which focus on essential job search and leadership 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 of our modules here, and watch a demo video to get a glimpse into our curriculum. 

Job Search Skills Pathway:  

  • Connecting the Dots: College to Career  
  • Networking & Career Planning  
  • Preparing Application Materials  
  • Interview Skills  
  • Navigating Workspace

 

Leadership Skills Pathway: 

  • Communication Skills: Writing, Listening & Speaking 
  • Leadership & Teamwork 
  • Organization In & Out of the Workplace 
  • Project Management 
  • Skills for the Modern Workforce 

Joining FirstGenU 

Students must join a FirstGenU Career Institute to gain access to our online curriculum. This is a FREE and FLEXIBLE program during which students can access our self-paced modules as well as attend virtual enrichment events and social hours to dive deeper into the skills they are learning and connect with their peers and professionals. Students who complete at least one pathway earn a digital badge, access to a professional network, information about internships, and other exciting benefits. FirstGenU Career Institutes are offered five times throughout the year.    

Recruitment for our next cohort will begin at the end of May 2024. Complete our brief interest form to be notified when registration is open!  

Eligibility Requirements  

To participate in FirstGenU, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:  

  • You must live and attend college in the United States  
  • You must be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree  
  • You must identify as a first-generation college student, meaning that neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree in any country  
COMPLETE INTEREST FORM

FAQ

To participate in FirstGenU, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

  • You must live and attend college in the United States 
  • You must be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree 
  • You must identify as a first-generation college student, meaning that neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree in any country 

You will earn the following benefits after completing all of the modules associated with at least one pathway during the FirstGenU Career Institute: 

  • Up to two digital badges to demonstrate your completion of one or multiple pathways offered through FirstGenU 
  • Access to a network of 1,000+ real-world professionals for personalized career advice 
  • Exclusive invitation to a private FirstGenU LinkedIn group to share resources and connect with your peers 
  • Information about internships and other professional development opportunities through a monthly newsletter  
  • Continued access to enrichment events, modules, and participant notebooks to refresh your skills 
  • Invitation to a virtual celebration to acknowledge this accomplishment 

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: 

  • First-Generation Professionals Panel 
  • Job Search Do’s & Don’ts Panel 
  • Maximizing Your LinkedIn 
  • Financial Planning 101 

 

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. 

What Students Are Saying About FirstGenU

“FirstGenU is a great and free way to really understand how the job world works. It provides crucial information that school does not always prepare you for.”
Anny
AnnyUniversity of Oregon
“As a first-generation, Haitian-American college student, I’m aware that the odds are always against me. FirstGenU has prepared me to beat those odds. Through the courses, I’ve gained competencies that will allow me to enter any room confidently. My professional career looks bright, thanks to this program!"
Ralph
RalphSaint Peter’s University
“FirstGenU has helped me build confidence in myself and take the first steps toward my professional career. I have used the skills I learned to apply to multiple opportunities including internships and leadership positions.”
Alyssa
AlyssaRutgers University
“FirstGenU has helped me prepare for my future career by providing me with an easy-to-navigate curriculum that focuses on helping me develop essential skills needed to secure jobs and internships in my industry. Some of these skills include resume writing, interview preparation, career development, and networking.”
Kelvin
KelvinUniversity of California, Los Angeles
"FirstGenU helped me prepare for my future career because I can see what I need to work on for future interviews, the steps I need to take to understand the path I want to follow, and the connections I can create while doing it. I developed skills that will help me throughout my whole professional career.”
Pamela
PamelaLoyola University Chicago
“I encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity, we all go to college not only to learn but also as preparation for what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Any program that helps you to pursue your career and guides you along that path is a great opportunity, and FirstGenU is that type of program.”
Jonathan
JonathanBrooklyn College
“FirstGenU has helped me in areas that I didn’t even anticipate. Not only have I been able to learn vital interview skills, but I have also been able to improve my professionalism and learn networking tactics.”
Jasmine
JasmineUniversity of Pennsylvania
“Now that I’ve completed FirstGenU, I feel way more confident in my abilities because the topics were described clearly, there are templates that guide you, and the courses were interactive, so I retained a lot of what I learned.”
Quiana
QuianaNew York University
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Partnering with FirstGenU

If you work for a college, university, or community-based organization that supports first-generation college students, we would love to partner with you! FirstGenU is a flexible program and can be offered to students in a variety of different ways. Please reach out to firstgenu@americaneedsyou.org to learn more.

"I’m very excited about our partnership. FirstGenU is going to be invaluable to all students. Whether they’re traditional, non-traditional, or they’re in currently in the workforce and don’t have their dream job, they can use this content to catapult them."
Mary MercadoAssistant Director of Career Engagement and Experiential Learning, Saint Peter’s Univesity
Mary Mercado

The FirstGenU Experience

Questions?

If you have questions about FirstGenU, please reach out to firstgenu@americaneedsyou.org.

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