First Generation

Welcome to the Seahawk Family! At UNCW, we are dedicated to helping you transition to UNCW as a first-generation student. You’re a first-generation student if neither of your parents received a four-year degree in the U.S.

Seahawks First

Seahawks First is a growing community designed to support First Gen students, such as yourself, through programs and interactive events.

If you are a current UNCW student interested in learning more and receiving invitations to Seahawks First campus events, please complete the Seahawks First Interest Form. Not a student yet? Prospective students can complete the Perspective Student Seahawks First Interest Form to gain access to information and resources that will assist you with the UNCW enrollment and engagement process.

Give to the Seahawks First Trust

Seahawks First Events

First Gen Week 2026

First Generation Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Each year, UNCW celebrates our First Gen students on or around November 8 through a series of events designed to celebrate the first-generation identity. See below to find out what this year's First Generation Week has in store.

Monday, November 2

First Gen Support and Discussion Group (Drop-In Event)

1 - 2 p.m.
DePaolo Hall Room 2079

Join this weekly drop-in group at any time to talk, learn from other students and the leaders, and receive support. The group is led by Dr. LuAnn Helms from the Counseling Center and Latisha Corpening from the Office of Transition Programs.

Co-Sponsored by the Counseling Center

First Generation Student Panel: Education Abroad

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
McNeill Hall Room 1030

Join the Office of Education Abroad & First Gen for a panel about studying abroad as a first-generation college student.

Co-Sponsored by Education Abroad

Tuesday, November 3

A First Gen Guide: Things Nobody Tells You About College (Drop-In Event)

8 a.m. - Noon
CHHS Student Success Center, Veterans Hall Room 1533

Stop by this drop-in event for tips on navigating college. Free stickers, shirts, and other goodies will be available throughout! All first gen Seahawks are encouraged to attend.

Co-Sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services

Wednesday, November 4

Reflections and Gratitude (Drop-In Event)

10 a.m. - Noon
Discovery Hall Room 1070

No first-gen journey happens alone. Stop by and take a moment to write a thank-you note to a faculty or staff member, family member, friend, mentor, or anyone else who has encouraged, supported, or inspired you in your college experience. Whether they offered advice, believed in you, opened a door, or simply reminded you to keep going, this is an opportunity to let them know their impact matters. Cards and supplies will be provided—just bring your gratitude!

Pieces of Us Tile Painting Event

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sayed Hall Room 121

Students are invited to paint a tile that represents their journey, identity, goals, or what being first-gen means to them. Each tile will become part of a larger collaborative design showing how our different paths come together to create a stronger, more vibrant community. Stop by, enjoy light snacks, get creative, and add your piece to a lasting celebration of first-gen joy, community, and support. No artistic experience needed!

Co-Sponsored by Watson College of Education

Thursday, November 5

Annual First Gen Networking Reception

4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Clocktower Lounge, Fisher Student Center Room 2000
Building connections is an important part of the college experience and you don’t have to already be an expert at networking to get started! Join us for the First-Gen Networking Reception to connect with fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other members of the campus community. Practice introducing yourself, sharing your experiences and goals, asking meaningful questions, and building relationships in a relaxed and supportive environment. Come as you are and leave with new connections, greater confidence, and networking skills you can use well beyond college.

Friday, November 6

First Friday

All Day

Everywhere

First-generation students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to wear their First-Gen T-shirts around campus as we celebrate the strength, accomplishments, and experiences of our first-gen community. Keep an eye out, students may even be spotted and surprised with a prize! First-Gen Friday is a simple way to build community, spark connections, and remind first-gen Seahawks that they are part of a visible and supportive network across UNCW. Wear your shirt, show your pride, and represent First Gen!

Monday, November 9

First Gen Study Den

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Azalea Coast Room, Fisher University Union Room 2001

Stop by the First-Gen Study Den, a relaxed and welcoming space for first-gen students to study, work on assignments, and connect with other students during First-Gen Week. Bring your laptop, notes, or whatever you need to tackle your to-do list while enjoying free food and a supportive atmosphere. Peer support will also be available from the University Learning Center.

Co-Sponsored by the University Learning Center

View More First Gen Events

First Gen Student Testimonials

"As a first-generation student, I’ve broken glass ceilings and built a path forward with confidence and resilience. Seahawks First has given me the support, encouragement, and faith I needed to focus on what truly matters and believe in my ability to succeed. Because of that foundation, I’ve already secured a full-time role as an HR Generalist before graduation and was nominated to attend the United Nations during the GlobalMindEd First-Generation Conference to represent UNCW's First Generation students. This program has been a vital part of my growth, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come."

-Madison, Senior

"The Seahawks First Program has been an incredibly helpful resource to me as a freshman trying to navigate her first year at college. I found the Financial Aid and FAFSA workshop especially helpful as this is something I struggled with the year prior. My favorite event was the Seahawks First Mixer. I met another first generation student there who has helped me in ways I didn’t know I needed, and I don’t know if we would have met had it not been for Seahawks First."

-Zoe, First-Year Student

"The Seahawks First Programming has increased my chances of succeeding in college by hosting many workshops where I can learn skills that will help me in the future. At these events I have gotten to make connections with faculty and learn about opportunities on campus I otherwise would have gone four years without. Ms. Corpening has helped support me the past year and pushed me to be an involved student and have the courage to try new things. This program has helped relieved some of my stress while attending college and made me grateful for all the support I have received to be here."

-Ryan, First-Year Student

"The workshops and events I have attended through Seahawks First have given me a wealth of knowledge about college as well as life in general. For me, being a first-generation student meant that I did not enter college with the same level of skills or knowledge as most of my peers, but having this support group has taught me so much and has grown my confidence. Moreover, the scholarship funds I may receive will help me so much in reducing debt from college, and can also a be safety net for unexpected purchases; there were many things I did not think of buying until I needed them since I did not have the help of anyone who had the college experience."

-Madison, First-Year Student

“As a first-generation student, Seahawks First has provided me with a strong sense of community and support, making my transition to UNCW much less overwhelming. Latisha has been incredibly helpful in addressing any questions or concerns I’ve had throughout my first year. She always responded quickly and connected me with the right resources to ensure my success. The scholarship program will help cover essential costs like books and ease some of the financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my education. I will continue to be involved in this program and hopefully one day I can help other future first-generation students!”

-Katrin, First-Year Student

Seahawks First Featured Stories

Zoe McCumber '27

Sophomore Zoe McCumber '27 says UNCW has given her space to explore who she is and what she wants to do.

Zoe McCumber '27

Lia Hudgins ’26

Lia Hudgins ’26, a driven first-generation student, identified a need for a community among students like herself. Taking the initiative, she is co-founder and president of UNCW’s First-Generation Student Organization

Lia Hudgins ’26

Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D.

Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D. worked hard to climb the academic and professional ladder as a first-generation student, and now as the director of academic advising for the first professional advising center in UNCW’s College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts

Maggie Bannon ’23Ed.D.

Daelon Petty '26

For Daelon Petty '26, being a first-generation student means changing the trajectory of his life and possibly those he will aid in his future career.

Daelon Petty '26

Rochelle David '26

Rochelle David takes immense pride in being a first-generation student and American. It is important to her that she use every opportunity while at UNCW.

Rochelle David '26

Tyler Jones ’11

Tyler Jones' transition to college life at UNCW came with challenges. Through community involvement and support, he found balance and success, crediting his achievements to the resources at UNCW and the encouragement from his family.

Tyler Jones ’11

FAQs

Who is considered First-Gen?

A first-generation student is any student whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year degree.

What is First-Generation Day?

First Generation Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.

Each year, UNCW celebrates our First-Gen students on or around November 8.

What resources are available to my family?

At UNCW, we believe the parents, family members and supporters of all of our students play a vital role in student success. The Seahawk Family Connection portal serves as your family's connection to UNCW and provides important information about the college process.

During the sign-up process, supporters can indicate if their student is a first-gen student. This will place them into a first-gen family community, where they will have access to first-gen related content!

Join the Seahawk Family Connection portal

What if my siblings went to/go to college?

You are a first-generation student even if your siblings graduated or currently attend any type of college.

What if my parents have an associates degree?

You are a first-generation student even if your parents have an associates or two-year college degree.

What if my parents started their four-year degree?

You are a first-generation student if your parent did not graduate with a four year degree or only completed some college by the time you start at UNCW.