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Students stand smiling at the camera, holding up First Generation pins

First-Gen Success

Are you the first in your family to go to college? You’re not alone, nearly half of Aims students are first-generation. Aims is here to support you with resources, events, and a welcoming community to help you succeed every step of the way.

Two students stand holding First Gen proud stickers towards the camera

Defining First-Gen

Celebrating First-Gen Success at Aims

A first-generation college student, or "first-gen," is someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree in the U.S.

First-gen students often encounter unique challenges in navigating college life and may experience lower graduation rates compared to their peers.

In 2024, Aims was selected to join the FirstGen Forward Network, one of only a few community colleges in the group. As a FirstGen Forward Network member, Aims administrators, faculty, and staff have opportunities to engage with other schools to improve the experiences and success of first-generation students. Internally, Aims established a FirstGen Forward task force to focus on this population.

First-Gen Events

Support Resources

Aims is here to support you on your journey to success and is dedicated to helping you navigate your college journey. Explore these additional college resources to help you thrive at Aims!