Seahawks First Creates Pathways, Community for UNCW's First-Generation Students

College is filled with firsts, but for first-generation students, it can also mean stepping into the unknown. Without parents or family members who have experienced higher education, many must navigate financial aid, registration, academic expectations and campus life on their own. 

That's where UNCW's Seahawks First program steps in. Launched in 2023, Seahawks First was created to support students whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year degree.   

While first-generation students arrive on campus with the same potential and academic ability as their peers, they often face unique challenges as they learn to adapt to college life, said Latisha Corpening, assistant director of the university’s First-Generation program. Seahawks First helps bridge that gap through workshops, lectures and skill-building opportunities designed to increase students' confidence and knowledge.  

"Seahawks First is committed to the retention and graduation of first-generation students while also increasing the sense of belonging and access those students feel throughout their academic journey at UNCW," Corpening said.  

For students like Payton Lowery ’27, the value of Seahawks First extends beyond answering questions. It provides a network of mentors and peers who offer guidance and encouragement that can make the path to graduation feel more manageable and less overwhelming.  

“As a first-generation student, I don’t always know what questions to ask or where to start, said Lowery, a digital arts major. “Having people who can guide me and connect me with support has made those challenges easier to work through.” 

This year, with support from UNCW's Student Engagement, Enrollment and Retention unit, the program launched the Seahawks First Learning Community, providing additional assistance for a select group of first-year students transitioning to campus life. Participants can also qualify for scholarships and other incentives through active engagement in the program.  

Finding Connection 

Building connections is another key component of the program's success. Annual events such as the First-Generation Reception bring students together with faculty, staff and fellow first-generation Seahawks. Collaboration with the university's first-generation student organization provides even more opportunities for connection through social activities.  

"Mentoring and personal connections are incredibly important," Corpening said. "They can help students move their goals from aspirational to attainable."  

Lowery’s biggest concern was not being able to find her place after arriving at UNCW.  

“Coming to a college far from home was scary, especially when I didn’t know what to expect or what steps I needed to take,” said Lowery, who serves as the president of the First-Generation Student Organization.  “The First-Generation Program helped me find a community of people I could connect with.” 

Support When it Matters Most 

When Lowery began questioning whether she could continue college, the First-Generation Program provided more than encouragement. 

“I realized I had a strong support system when I sat down with Latisha during a time when I was considering dropping out. I shared what I was going through, and she did more than encourage me to stay. She showed me resources and connected me with people who could help me move forward,” Lowery said. “Without that conversation, I honestly don’t know if I would still be at UNCW.” 

Changing the Trajectory 

For Corpening, watching first-generation students reach graduation remains the most rewarding part of the work. 

"That moment is everything," she said. "I tell my students all the time that they are changing the trajectory of their family tree, not because where their family started was somehow insufficient, but because they are adding a new branch of experience, knowledge and opportunity that will be there for generations to come."  

Looking ahead, Corpening envisions expanding support through a dedicated First-Generation Center, a stronger alumni network and enhanced mentoring opportunities. The goal is to ensure every first-generation student knows they belong and has the resources needed to thrive, she said.  

"First-generation students are an important part of the UNCW community because they bring differing perspectives, lived experiences, strengths and aspirations that enrich the university as a whole," Corpening said. “Their presence also reflects one of higher education’s fundamental purposes: expanding access to knowledge, opportunity and pathways to social and economic mobility.”  

Help First-Generation Students Thrive 

If you're a faculty member, staff member or alumnus interested in supporting first-generation Seahawks through mentorship, advocacy or engagement opportunities, contact seahawksfirst@uncw.edu to learn how you can get involved.