The First of Many: Helping First-Generation Seahawks Reach the Finish Line

For a first-generation college student, arriving on campus can come with a lot of firsts: navigating financial aid, meeting with an academic advisor or figuring out where to turn for help. Getting to college is one milestone. Reaching graduation is another. 

This year, 23% of UNCW’s incoming first-year students are first-generation, making support for their success more important than ever. Through Seahawks First, the university connects students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree with mentoring, academic resources, career preparation and financial support. 

“We want every first-generation student to have the opportunity to make the most of their college experience and earn their degree. When we support these students, we’re helping open doors for their futures and for generations to come,” said Latisha Corpening, assistant director of First Generation Programs. 

Finding Their Footing 

Since launching in 2023, Seahawks First has helped students navigate college through personal guidance, hands-on experiences and connections across campus. 

UNCW’s first-generation initiatives have recorded more than 1,600 student interactions and 148 individual mentoring and coaching sessions. Support also includes a first-generation learning community and career-readiness opportunities that help students build confidence and prepare for what comes after graduation. 

For Payton Lowery ’27, that sense of support and connection has made UNCW feel like a place where she belongs. 

“The program made me feel like I belonged at UNCW and gave me a reason to stay and keep growing here,” Lowery said. 

Philanthropy Fuels Student Success 

Philanthropic support helps make scholarships, programs and experiences possible for first-generation Seahawks. As part of UNCW’s strategic plan, Chancellor Aswani K. Volety has allocated $50,000 from the UNCW Fund to directly support first-generation students. 

Since 2023, the university has awarded 33 first-generation scholarships. At the end of spring 2026, Seahawks First scholarship participants had an average cumulative GPA of 3.54, compared with 3.30 for nonparticipants. While the figures do not show that program participation caused the difference, they offer an encouraging snapshot of participating students’ progress. 

Helping More Seahawks Reach the Finish Line 

UNCW’s commitment to first-generation student success continues to grow. In 2024, the university joined the FirstGen Forward Network, a national initiative focused on improving first-generation student experiences and outcomes. The following spring, UNCW held its inaugural First-Generation Pinning Ceremony, recognizing 79 graduating students, with support from the Parent Opportunity Fund. 

As UNCW celebrates National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, the university is celebrating more than the milestone of being first. It is celebrating what comes next: overcoming challenges, discovering new opportunities and ultimately walking across the stage at graduation. 

For first-generation Seahawks, graduation can be the first of many milestones. Sandra McClammy ’03, ’09M’s journey shows how a first-generation college experience can grow into a lifelong commitment to education, leadership and helping others succeed.

Be part of the journey with a gift to the Seahawks First Fund and help more first-generation Seahawks reach graduation and all that comes next.