Career Resources for First-Generation College Students

Ohio Department of Higher Education: This department manages state-funded financial aid programs and develops and advocates policies to maximize higher education’s contributions to the state and its citizens.

Ohio Career Development Association: The OCDA promotes career development and works to establish, improve, and maintain the standards of professional career guidance, counseling, and career services within Ohio.

Center for First-Generation Student Success: This center aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation college students, and all who care about them, working to maximize the success of this student population in education, career, and life.

CareerSpring: CareerSpring works to realize a future where everyfirst-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) student in the United States acquires meaningful, high-quality employment.

Rise First: Rise First’s mission is to empower first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students and professionals nationwide to achieve their full potential by providing life and career advice, lists of support resources, and mentorship opportunities through a technology platform with online tools. This platform is built for and by FGLI students, providing a real-life business and professional experience.

I’m First!: I’m First! provides students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information, and support during their college journey. I’m First! is an initiative of UStrive, a national nonprofit that also runs an online college and career mentoring program by the same name.

MLT Ascend: A college success and career readiness program in which MLT alumni, called Rising Leaders, volunteer to coach first-generation and low-income college students. 

First-Generation Students: Miami’s First-Generation initiative seeks to build a community of first-generation college students and their allies while celebrating their resilience, tenacity, and achievements.

Affordable Miami: Miami University understands that college is one of the biggest investments a family can make. That is why it provides a high-quality education at a reasonable cost, making it a wise investment in a student’s future.

Career Advising: When you are admitted to Miami University, you are assigned a Career Advisor. This decision is based on your major and/or chosen Career Cluster. Your advisor offers individualized information and guidance during your career exploration and management.

Career Grants and Scholarships: The Center for Career Exploration and Success offers a variety of grants and scholarships to support students’ career growth, including the Internship and Research Grant, the Professional Attire Grant, and more. Note that availability of these grants can depend on campus. 

Miami Alumni Association: Alumni networks organize networking events, publish newsletters about what graduates are doing, and connect graduates with each other for jobs. They’re great for current students, too, if you want information on graduate life or access to an older mentor who was once where you are. At Miami, you can connect with alumni through Miami Alumni Connect.

Oxford

Miami Firsts: This student organization is open to any enrolled Miami student who identifies as first-generation and any enrolled Miami student who supports the ideas of the organization.

Student Success Center: The Student Success Center can provide assistance to a number of special student populations in solving complex problems, including first-generation college students. This center is the home for first-generation students on the Oxford campus, providing holistic support and connecting them to resources such as mentoring, career exploration, and financial aid. 

Regionals

Fantastic Firsts: This student organization is open to any enrolled Miami student who identifies as first-generation and any enrolled Miami student who supports the ideas of the organization.

TRIO Student Support Services: TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is an educational support program funded by the United States Department of Education, whose goal is to help eligible students graduate on schedule with the lowest amount of financial debt.

AllAbroad.us: This website offers funding advice, outreach materials, and study abroad tips specifically written with first-generation students in mind.

Diversity Abroad: The Diversity Abroad community inspires, connects, and assists students in reaching their academic and career potential in our increasingly interconnected world.