First-Gen Resources

The University at Buffalo recognizes the achievements of first-generation college students, faculty and staff. We are showing our commitment to our first-gen population with the ongoing development of resources and tools to build awareness of unique first-gen experiences and to foster a community of individuals just like you. Proud To Be First supports the academic, social and professional development of first-generation Bulls and their families by providing connections to campus resources, peer mentoring, networking opportunities with faculty, staff and peers, events and more

For questions or to get involved, please visit 130 Capen Hall, North Campus or contact Proud To Be First via email at firstgeneration@buffalo.edu.

First-Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA) offers support to students who identify as first-generation law students. This includes law students who are the first in their family to attend college or first to attend professional school. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive community for UB Law students who lack access to generational knowledge of the legal field. We aim to facilitate discussions surrounding common questions first-generation students may have through workshops and events designed and led by our fellow FGLSA peers. More than anything, FGLSA aims to show you, a first-generation law student, that there are others who have felt the same things you are feeling and found success in law school. We are a community dedicated to support each other in life and career.

For questions or to get involved, please contact FGLSA via email at law-fglsa@buffalo.edu.

UB hosts a Virtual First Generation Summer Bridge program, designed for students to gain a distinct advantage before the start of their first semester and throughout the first year. The program includes:

• Five-week course (Pre-Calculus or Social Justice) (tuition and fees are waived!)
• Assigned Peer Mentor for the summer, fall, and spring semesters of your first year
• Weekly Success Course

Please note: Participation in this program is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For questions about the First-Generation Summer Bridge Experience, please contact Tyler Richards at tylerric@buffalo.edu.

An immersive, summer residency program for underrepresented minority or first generation undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in law.

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) prepares undergraduates from all disciplines to pursue their PhD. Dedicated to excellence in scholarship, our program serves low-income, first-generation students and traditionally underrepresented undergraduate student populations along their path to earning a PhD. We are one of more than 180 programs across the country united by a shared vision in increasing the representation of our students in doctoral studies and the professoriate.

The TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program at the University at Buffalo is committed to serving undergraduate students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities and helping them overcome academic, cultural and social barriers so they can succeed in higher education. We provide our students with holistic academic and personal support services designed to assist with graduate school and career preparation, economic and financial literacy, and ultimately persistence to graduation.

The CEW offers writing consultation to help undergraduate and graduate students with their papers and other writing projects. They can give feedback on written work or help brainstorm ideas. To see other programming the CEW offers, visit their webpage.

For questions or to get involved, visit 17 Norton or contact the CEW via email at writing@buffalo.edu.

A program that develops student talents, promotes the professional growth of PhD students, and enhances intellectual and cultural diversity in the biomedical and behavioral sciences.

Tutoring and Academic Support Services (TASS) helps undergraduate students raise the bar on their classroom performance by providing resources that open doors to academic success. TASS sets a new standard for academic support at UB, where you’ll find that asking for help is one of the smartest things you can do.

When you work with one of our tutors, you’ll find new ways to approach your studies and gain strategies to overcome the rigors of college-level work. We offer services to meet these needs and more. These services are free to all undergraduate students.

For more information or to make an appointment, please visit TASS's webpage. If you have questions or can't find a tutor, please contact TASS via email at asktutoring@buffalo.edu.

Coordinates services and accommodations to ensure the accessibility and usability of all UB programs, services, and activities by people with disabilities.

Facilitates academic excellence, access, equity, and achievement for a diverse student population through a variety of programs, advising and student support, collaborative learning workshops, mentoring to prepare for graduate studies and professional schools, summer bridge programs, and scholarships.

Promotes the personal well-being and academic success of students by providing brief mental health services, educational programs, crisis intervention, and campus community consultation.

Provides preventative health and wellness education; including rape and sexual assault prevention and support, yoga and meditation, and LGBTQ wellness; to build a healthier campus culture.

Offers primary, non-emergency medical care for students including proactive care (annual exams, well visits and screenings), as well as care for injuries and illnesses (including chronic illness management). Located at 4350 Maple Rd. (near Sweet Home Rd.).

UB’s First Gen Peer Mentoring Program provides mentorship and support to first-generation college students, connecting you with an experienced upperclassman who serves as a role model, mentor and resource throughout your first year at UB. Our program can help you:

• Make a new contact at UB who can help support your success.
• Meet other first-generation students and build a sense of community.
• Stay on track by providing you with the support and direction you need to succeed at UB.
• Connect you to available resources on and off campus.
• Discuss concerns or challenges you may experience as a first-generation college student.
• Build strong relationships with faculty and staff throughout campus.
• Gain individualized mentorship, support and direction from a fellow student.

To become or request a mentor, please visit the program's webpage or contact Proud To Be First via email at firstgeneration@buffalo.edu.

The School of Management's mentors are here to assist first-generation students who are looking for advice or guidance on college life. Whether you have a simple question about classes or extracurriculars, or you are interested in semester-long mentoring to explore shared experiences and learn how to navigate UB as a first-generation student, our mentors can help.

For questions or to connect with a mentor, please visit the program's webpage or contact Mary Ann Rogers via email at mgt-DandI@buffalo.edu.

The Drs. Henry J. and Bonita R. Durand Scholarship (Durand Scholarship) provides financial support to students matriculated in the Graduate School of Education or in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University at Buffalo. This award is intended to assist students who often encounter a host of financial obstacles that can hinder progression towards earning a degree and/or graduating.

To be eligible for the scholarship a recipient must be an alumni of any of the following UB undergraduate programs: Student Support Services (SSS), Daniel Acker Scholars (ACKER), Collegiate Science and Technology Entry (CSTEP), the Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), or the Ronald E. McNair Program.

In awarding the scholarship, preference is given to students who are first generation graduate students and/or who can demonstrate overcoming significant socio-economic barriers in order to pursue graduate studies at UB. A first generation graduate student shall be defined as an individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents has received a post-baccalaureate degree.

Student emergency funds at the University at Buffalo seek to award grants to eligible students who are experiencing an unforeseen hardship that could impact their ability to remain enrolled in school. Temporary financial assistance is available for immediate and current emergency situations.

Visit UB's Financial Aid website to learn more about the financial aid process, cost of attendance, types of aid, and financial aid advising. New and transfer undergraduate students who are considering enrolling can schedule a virtual advisement session.

Bullseye powered by Handshake is an online service that makes it easy for UB students and alumni to connect with employers. If you are looking for a job or internship — or you have a position to fill — we encourage you to login and start managing your search today.

The Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship fund provides one-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded) and is available to students pursuing a graduate degree in any of the following schools:

• School of Dental Medicine
• Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• School of Public Health and Health Professions
  

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

The School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) offers stipends and tuition scholarships to students who have been admitted to a master's-level graduate program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, who will be enrolled on a full-time basis, and students who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate or professional program in which they will be enrolled. Applicants to the BS/MS in occupational therapy may also apply for a tuition scholarship which is awarded for the MS portion of the degree (final 2 years).

Students who will contribute to the diversity of their program and their field based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, socio-economic status, veteran status, or first-generation status are encouraged to apply for these awards. Students who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education are especially encouraged to nominate themselves.

Open to UB students from diverse backgrounds (including first generation college students, economically disadvantaged students, racial and ethnic minority students, etc.). This is a scholarship to support student diversity in Study Abroad. Applicants should address how they define themselves as diverse in their application.

Applicants must be currently enrolled, full-time, matriculated University at Buffalo students in good academic standing at the time of application. Students must be accepted to and confirm their participation in a University at Buffalo or SUNY study abroad program to be considered for this scholarship. This means, students will be registered by UB Study Abroad Programs (in OPR courses) and must have paid the program deposit.

UB’s Scholarship Portal is a smart shortcut to apply for campus philanthropic scholarships. Log in and complete one application annually to be considered for multiple opportunities. UB’s Scholarship Portal helps to streamline your search for the over 1,000 scholarships across campus.

All currently enrolled students may sign into UB’s Scholarship Portal with your UBIT username and password. Once you complete a General Application, your responses may prompt a request for you to complete a Conditional Application or additional scholarship specific questions. If you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you will receive an email from ubscholarships@buffalo.edu.

America Needs You (ANY) fights for economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students by providing transformative mentorship and intensive career development. ANY Fellows can:

• Attend career development workshops
• Receive one-on-one mentorship
• Earn Professional grants
• Get internship & transfer support
• Join a network of over 2,500 students, professionals, & alumni

ANY also offers virtual, self-paced modules focused on essential skills needed to attain professional internships and jobs.

I’m First!, an initiative of UStrive, provides students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college. Students can hear inspiring stories from other first-gen students and grads, share their own stories, and read their first-gen student-run blog. I'm First! also offers a college guidebook for high schoolers looking to become first-generation college students.

Rise First is a platform built by first-generation students and professionals that empowers first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students and professionals. They aim to consolidate nationwide programs and resources that meet the needs of FGLI students, including scholarships and webinars.

UStrive seeks to virtually connect first-generation students and students with financial need to mentors. Mentors typically provide college and career support.