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 2025

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.

Daily

Proud to Be First: Banner Signing

CHHS Student Success Center

Veterans Hall 1533 and McNeil Hall 1009

Stop by to sign our banner and share what you’re most proud of as a CHHS first-generation Seahawk. Add your message, take a pic, and show off your first-gen pride!

Monday, November 3rd

Thriving As a First Gen Student: Unlocking CHSSA Opportunities

4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Drop In)

Bear Hall 103

An opportunity to meet with other CHSSA first-gen students, faculty, and staff and explore opportunities and resources within CHSSA. Free food and first-gen t-shirts while supplies last!

Tuesday, November 4th

Library Mix and Mingle

12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Discovery Hall Room 1070

Join us for a relaxed gathering with snacks, giveaways, and library information. Connect, share stories, and swap advice with fellow first-gens. Free food and first-gen t-shirts while supplies last!

Annual First Generation Reception

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Discovery Hall Room 1070

This casual reception brings together first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and celebration. Annual group photo will be taken at 4:30pm. Join us as we celebrate our first-generation community! Food, prizes, and t-shirts!

Thursday, November 6th

First Gen Fuel Up with Watson

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sayed Hall Third Floor Flop Area

Join the Watson College of Education for coffee, danishes, and good company as we celebrate First-Generation Student Week. Swing by, grab a treat, and celebrate the perseverance and pride of our first-gen community together!

With Gratitude: A First-Gen Reflection Space

2-4 p.m.

Randall Hall Lobby

Stop by our First-Gen Gratitude Station to write a thank you card to someone who’s helped you on your college journey. Whether it’s a family member, mentor, friend, or professor. This is your chance to share your appreciation and celebrate the community that supports you!

VIEW ALL Events here

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

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.