First-Generation Mentorship Program

Program Purpose:

L&C’s First-Generation Mentorship Program aims to bridge the generational gap by supporting our first-generation college students. By sharing insider knowledge regarding industries, institutional knowledge of higher education, and navigating complex societal systems; first-generation college students enrolled in our mentorship program will be in the good hands of their mentors and in the community of other first-generation individuals.

Defining first-generation* is never a simple task as there are multiple definitions. We define First-Generation college students as someone whose parents or guardians did not earn a 4-year degree. 

If you identify as first-generation and/or are interested in having a First-Gen Mentor, please complete this link here for the 2024-25 academic year.  We will host a kick-off orientation meeting for students in September, more information will be shared to those who sign up!

First-Gen Mentees will be paired with First-Gen Mentor who could be a staff, faculty or alumni from any of our campuses (Law, Graduate or College of Arts & Science (CAS).

How will this work?

• Mentors will be paired with no more than 3 first-generation students (mentees)
• Mentors and Mentees should reach out to each other at least once a month (via text, email, phone call, video call, or in person).
• Mentees should reach out to their mentor anytime they are seeking advice, feeling doubt, or have a question but don’t know who to turn to. Whenever they are feeling imposture syndrome. This is a two-way street, so please be proactive in reaching out to your mentor if you want to say hello!
• All participants will be invited to join a community meal.
• Mentees are required to complete a set of tasks each school year (an IME staff member will be tracking each mentee)
  • First-year = Visit the Career Center to learn about resources
  • Second-year = Develop a resume and cover letter with support from Career Center
  • Third-year = Research post-college plans (graduate school, employment, volunteer, internships, travel, etc.).
  • Fourth-year = Conduct 2 informational interviews with organizations they’re interested in.