This program offers assistance from the time of admission through graduation for first-generation students through an all-year support system.
Your Benefits!
- New Student Orientation & Registration Session tailored to first-generation students and their families.
- Support and questions answered in-depth throughout the academic year.
- Help with staying on-track to graduate from Rowan College - Cumberland and transfer to complete Bachelor's degree or enter the workforce.
- A sense of community and belonging through Student Life and Leadership activities.
- Support with annual Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) process.
- Financial literacy workshops on personal finances, managing money, credit cards, opening bank accounts, and loan repayment.
- Career advising, internships, and mentoring for students who wish to network with community and campus leaders.
Requirements
- Identify as a first-generation college student during the admissions application process.
- Attend the First2Go/Primer-a-Ir New Student Orientation & Registration Session with a family member, parent or guardian.
- Enroll in and complete a Freshman Seminar course.
- Meet with assigned Academic Advisor regularly throughout the Academic Year.
- Attend a Financial Aid workshop annually.
First2Go/Primer-a-Ir Scholarship
Through a generous donation from the OceanFirst Bank Foundation, we are proud to offer fifty $1,000 scholarships to incoming first-generation students. All of the eligibility requirements can be found in the application.
OceanFirst Scholarship Application
FAQs
Q: How will I benefit from becoming a First2Go/Primer-a-Ir student?
We encourage all eligible students to join the First2Go/Primer-a-Ir community for special scholarship opportunities and other resources that are available on- and off-campus and offered exclusively to First2Go/Primer-a-Ir participants.
Q: My older brother or sister attended college. Am I still considered "first generation"?
Yes. For First2Go/Primer-a-Ir Community, "first-generation college" means that your parents have not completed a four-year degree at a U.S. college or university.
Q: One or more of my parents attended college but never graduated. Does this affect my status as “first-generation"?
No. Collegiate experience before obtaining a bachelor's degree does not disqualify students who are first-generation, but who are also not technically the first to go to college.
Q: I am a first-generation student, but I don't think I need any "help." Why should I participate?
We find that first-generation students thrive when they are in a supportive environment of peers, faculty, and staff who understand their backgrounds. With this support and network, our students are more competitively eligible for scholarships, four-year degree programs, internships and other opportunities.
