First Generation

Fresno State faculty and staff are committed to your personal, educational, and professional growth. Here is a recap of some of the departments on campus that can support first generation students:

• Fresno State Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) – The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) aims to support students who face historical, economic, or educational disadvantages, including first-generation students.
• Upward Bound – California State University, Fresno’s Upward Bound Programs serve low-income, first-generation high school students who are college-bound but whose grades and test scores may not reflect their true potential. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound helps students develop academic skills and provides motivational support through instruction and counseling.
• Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.
• TRIO Program – The TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSSP) offers academic assistance, financial aid education, and graduate school preparation to help undergraduates succeed in retention and graduation. It is a federally funded TRIO program under the U.S. Department of Education and supports resilient first-generation students, those from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.
• DOSAEM Mentor Directories – This project aims to enhance representation, visibility, and connection among our diverse identities, ultimately creating a supportive network for our students. Students can use these directories to find staff and faculty members who identify with those specific affinity groups, and connect with them for advice and guidance as needed.

As a first-generation student, gaining relevant experience in your chosen field may present unique challenges. However, there are several ways you can develop the skills needed to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and competitive candidate in the workforce:

• Get involved on campus – Fresno State’s Student Involvement Center provides students with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and develop specialized skills. Student clubs and campus programs are a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen career field, network with other students and professionals, and develop leadership skills necessary for career success! ‘
• Volunteering, interning, and service learning – Even if it’s unpaid, volunteer and interning experience is a great way to build your resume and network. These experiences are opportunities to demonstrate your passion and work ethic and can help you develop the strong people skills needed in today’s job market. Fresno State’s Career Development Center can assist you with questions regarding internships; for more information on service learning, visit the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning – they even have opportunities for grant-funded service experiences via their Central Valley College Corps and Scholars in Service Program!
  • The Career Development Center oversees the Community Service Scholarship Program (CSSP), where eligible students can earn a $645, $1,290 or $1,935  scholarship depending on their circumstances. Contact the Career Development Center by phone at 559.278.2381 or by email at careers@csufresno.edu for more information.
• Engage with these community organizations:
  • Steve’s Scholars Club – The purpose of this organization is to bring Steve’s Scholars recipients and First – Generation students together to provide guidance, support, resources, and a support system as they navigate college life here at Fresno State. Getting involved in clubs, especially as an officer is a valuable experience.
  • Alpha Alpha Alpha – Fresno State recently established the Kappa Iota Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (also known as Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation college students that provides mentorship, leadership opportunities, academic and personal resources, and promotes academic excellence. Fraternities and sororities often require volunteer services that may bring valuable experience to your job search.
• Join professional associations and get certificated – Professional associations are industry and career-specific organizations that are fantastic opportunities for networking and continued education. Many professional associations host conferences where members can meet to discuss new practices and research, as well as publish newsletters, provide job boards, and host trainings for various certifications. Completing certifications beyond your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. Use CareerOneStop’s Professional Association Finder, or do a web search for “[your career] professional association” to find organizations that are right for you! CareerOneStop also has a Certification Finder tool that can help you explore common certifications by industry!
  ***NOTE: Some professional associations require annual payments (or dues) to become a member. Many of these associations offer student memberships at a discounted rate, so take advantage of that while you can!

Career Development Center (CDC) – The CDC is available to help all students with any career-related questions they might have. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor to discuss anything from major exploration, job outlook, resume and cover letters, interviewing, and more. The CDC also hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as the Fall and Spring Career Fairs. Contact us by email at careers@csufresno.edu or by phone at 559.278.2381 to schedule an appointment.

Scholarships for First-Generation Students

• I’m First! Scholarship
• TELACU College Success Program
• CollegeScholarships.org — First in Family
• Scholarships.com — First in Family
• Unigo.com — First Generation Scholarships
• CollegeGrant.net — First Generation Grants & Scholarships

Fresno state also offers a comprehensive list of hundreds of academic scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students at Fresno State. Since scholarships are offered by various colleges, departments, and organizations to students.