First Gen? Me Too! campaign raises awareness

Approximately one-third of Ohio University’s incoming class each year consists of first-generation students. However, many of those students are not even aware of their first-generation identity. OHIO First Scholars provides a wealth of opportunities and support for Ohio University's first-generation college students, including the First-Gen? Me Too! awareness campaign.

First-generation students make up a large population at Ohio University and OHIO First Scholars wants to celebrate that! Aside from increasing awareness of our first-generation students and their unique contributions to our community, the First-Gen? Me Too! awareness campaign. We want to help you find a sense of belonging and to demonstrate that you are supported at OHIO by fellow first-generation students, as well as First-Gen faculty and staff. If they did it, so can you!

OHIO First Scholars offers free tutoring to first-gen students, and provides a caring, open, and diverse circle—a community of students, mentors, faculty, and staff who understand you and the challenges first-gen students may face. As a first-generation college student, you’re the first—a trail blazer for you and your family. We want to ensure that you know that you are not alone at OHIO. We are strongly committed to assisting our first-gen students as they acclimate and adjust to college, and navigate new experiences, endeavors, and achievements.

So how can you get involved? OHIO First Scholars hosts First-Gen Fridays on the first Friday of each month, featuring crafts, snacks, workshops, community service, and more! First-Gen Friday events are an enjoyable way to build community among our first-generation students, faculty, and staff. Being a first-generation college student is something to celebrate and sharing in this celebration with fellow first-gen students is a great way to grow your community, build your support system, and open doors to new opportunities.

OHIO First Scholars is housed in the Allen Student Advising Center, where you can find free First Gen? Me Too! T-shirts and advisers who can answer your questions and help you connect to the first-gen community. Reach out to an OHIO First Scholars Advocate, join our student organization, or attend First-Gen Friday events every first Friday of the month to meet others like you.

Find more information about First-Gen? Me Too! on our website. You can also follow us on Twitter at @OhiouFirst or stop by the Allen Center in Alden 230.