First-Generation Resources

Be the First. Go Further.

Being the first in your family to attend college is something to be proud of! It's an exciting step toward your future, and you may have questions along the way.

At Fresno Pacific University, more than half of FPU's traditional undergraduate students are first-generation college students. You'll be joining a community where many students share your experience and understand what it means to be the first.

From applying for admission and understanding financial aid to navigating classes and campus life, FPU offers personal guidance and resources to help you succeed.

Your future is full of possibilities. We're here to help you explore them.

Am I a First-Generation student?

First-Generation simply means your parents or guardians have not obtained a bachelor's degree; you’re the first in your family to go to college. Whether your parents never graduated or didn’t attend college at all, being a First-Generation college student is something to be proud of! We're glad that you're considering becoming a part of the Fresno Pacific University community. At FPU we recognize that the transition to college is not easy. We’re here to help.

I want to attend college. How do I get started?

Applying to colleges can be an exciting yet stressful process! First, make sure you check out our Four Year Planning Guide to see if you’re on track with your grades, required tests and everything else you need to graduate and be college-ready. Then, visit our campus or contact our Undergraduate Admission Office to get in touch with someone who will walk you through the entire application process. They’ll make sure you get all your application requirements in on time and know what's going on every step of the way.

Will I be able to academically succeed in college?

College courses may feel like a big step up from high school, but Fresno Pacific University offers plenty of resources to help you succeed. You'll be assigned an academic advisor to help you choose the right classes and stay on track to graduate, along with a first-year mentor to offer guidance and support as you adjust to college life. FPU faculty are also dedicated to your success and take time to get to know you. Whether you're chatting with a professor over coffee or stopping by during office hours, you'll find people ready to help you along the way.

You’ll also want to take advantage of Hiebert Library. Here you can check out books, read articles, browse journals, type and print out papers, and more. If you don’t know where to start, our librarians can give you lots of great ideas and help you start your research. Plus, the library is a quiet space to relax or study.

Additionally, the Academic Success Center (ASC) is one of the most valuable resources on campus. Here you’ll find tutoring services, test proctoring, academic coaching and a study lounge. The ASC tutors can teach you new study habits and help you navigate all the new aspects of college like time management and terminology. Their services are entirely free and available to all students throughout the semester.

How do I pay for college?

College can be less expensive than you think. Merit-and performance-based scholarships, grants, loans, and work/study opportunities can help cut down costs and make attending college a reality. At FPU, more than 98% of students receive financial aid. Your first step should be to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility to receive Federal Student Aid and can also affect how much aid your school can give you. View more info about scholarships and financial aid.

Next, look into scholarships for your particular area of study, ethnicity, sport or other areas of interest. FPU offers private scholarship options every semester that you can apply for!

Incoming and current FPU students can also attend a Student Job Fair. Meet with different offices across campus and personally submit résumé and apply for an on-campus job. This is a great way to build up your résumé while paying for college.

Is it realistic for me to study abroad? Where can I travel to and how do I do it?

Studying abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and shed a whole new light on your field of study. Fresno Pacific offers a variety of study abroad programs ranging from short-term summer trips to semester-long programs. Many of our study abroad trips are designed to fulfill course requirements, so whether you’re across the country or across the globe, you can stay on track and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Click here to learn more about studying abroad.

If I don’t know anyone at Fresno Pacific, how will I fit in and get involved?

Starting college is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, build friendships and find your place in the FPU community. From the time you apply until classes begin, your admission counselor will be there to answer questions and guide you through the enrollment process. Once you're a student, you'll have an academic advisor to help you plan your courses and stay on track toward graduation, along with a first-year mentor to help you adjust to college life and connect with others. You'll also have opportunities to meet fellow students through campus activities, clubs and events.

Living on campus is not only a great way to get that four-year college experience, but is where roommates become friends and friends become family.
 
There are also many clubs and extracurricular opportunities on campus, designed to appeal to different interests. Whether you’re into ultimate frisbee or want to write for the school newspaper, there’s something for you here. Check out all of our different clubs here.

I have breaks between classes. What amenities are available to me on campus?

Fresno Pacific's campus offers various amenities for students. Whether you're a commuter taking advantage of the Commuter House and Commuter Lounge, or you're just enjoying the Student Lounge, Game Room, or Fitness Center, there's always a place for you. AIMS Hall Atrium, Charlotte's Coffee Corner and Hiebert Library are all great places to sit, study or hang out with friends. And don't forget about the number of free computer labs available to students. Check out all the amenities offered at FPU.

What is an internship? How do I get a job while in college?

An internship can be a valuable beginning to your future career. During an internship, you’ll gain work experience and learn skills relating to your area of study outside of the classroom. The Calling and Career Center is your resource for all things job-related. Search through hundreds of job and internship listings. Get help with résumé writing, job interview skills and applying for jobs. With workshops and career counseling, this is a great first step when you’re ready to start your job search.

What if I have a confidential matter I need to talk to someone about?

Pacific Counseling Center, our on-site counseling program utilizes the skill of Master's-level clinicians as a resource to assist students with relationship problems, adjustment issues, grief and sadness, worry and anxiety, and unhealthy coping patterns. No matter the issue, Pacific Counseling Center is a great place to get help in a confidential and accepting setting. Learn more about the Pacific Counseling Center.

Resources for First-Generation College Students

There are other resources available for you to successfully navigate your way through college. You don’t have to do it alone, so reach out to the programs below today!

Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society

FPU celebrates the academic achievements of first-generation students through Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society. Eligible students who demonstrate academic excellence can be invited to join, connecting them with other first-generation scholars and recognizing their accomplishments.

Intercultural Learning Center

The Intercultural Learning Center (ILC) celebrates cultural diversity and supports students through academic resources, workshops, campus events and opportunities to connect with others. The center also offers study spaces and technology to support your learning.

Through its First to Fly First-Generation Support Program, first-generation students can access academic coaching, peer mentoring, career guidance and activities designed to help them navigate college life and succeed at FPU.

Located in Steinert Campus Center, Room 122, the ILC is open to all FPU students.

Scholarships for First-Generation college students

• I’m First! Scholarship
• TELACU College Success Program
• CollegeScholarships.org — First in Family
• Scholarships.com — First in Family
• Unigo.com — First Generation Scholarships
• CollegeGrant.net — First Generation Grants & Scholarships

Student Advice

Every year, students who are the first in their families to attend college come to FPU. Here’s some advice to make the most out of your college experience and get ahead!

• We know you've heard it before! "Get involved!" Clubs and volunteer opportunities are available year-round, so it's easy to join a community that shares your interests!
• If you don't know where to start, the Student Life office is a great place to learn more about other ways to get involved on campus. Trips, events and services are available to all students. Visit Student Life in the Steinert Campus Center by the cafeteria.
• The Fresno Pacific community is a family. It’s natural to be scared, but you’ll eventually find your place on campus. Maybe you’ll find yourself acting in a play or competing on an intramural sports team!
• Use every resource available to you. They’re there for a reason and you won’t bother anyone by asking questions. We love to help and if we don’t know the answer, we’ll try to find it for you.
• Try to introduce yourself. The college experience is so much better when you share it with friends. The great thing is that it’s easy to make friends on our campus. Other students are new just like you so speak up about the homework with the person sitting next to you or strike up a conversation at the burrito bar in the lunch line.
• Keep an open mind. College is a place full of new people, new ideas and new experiences. Some of the things you'll experience in college will be challenging, but all of it will shape you and help you grow into the person you'll become.

Parent Advice

Your family is an important part of your college journey! Whether your parents have attended college or are navigating the experience for the first time alongside you, FPU offers information and resources to help them support you along the way.

Visit our Parents & Families page to learn more about supporting your college experience.

Your Future Starts Here

Being the first in your family to attend college is an achievement worth celebrating, and you don't have to figure everything out on your own. At FPU, you'll find people ready to answer your questions, support your goals and cheer you on along the way.