First-Generation Students
Strong Support For First-Gen Students
Nearly a quarter of Carthage College undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.
First-gen students often don’t have access to the same information and support as students whose parents have earned bachelor’s degrees, so Carthage provides resources to help them navigate college and connect with other students, faculty, and staff. Carthage offers a strong support system for first-generation college students. Nearly a quarter of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.
No one first-gen student has the same story. While they may all fall into the same definition of “first-generation” their experiences and the diversity of their identities make each of them unique.
Hear from First-Generation Students
Yesenia Gonzalez ’26
“As a first-generation student, applying to colleges was hard for me. I struggled a lot and was still determining where to go. I chose to pursue my education at Carthage because the environment allows me to connect personally with professors, and the small class sizes make it easy to seek guidance and assistance whenever needed.”
JUAN GÓMEZ-SOLIS ’25
“When I visited Carthage for the first time, the tour guides and professors welcomed me with open arms. They gave me suggestions on what parts of campus I should check out, and they told me which staff members to talk to should I have any questions. I recommend other first-generation students get involved in clubs and sports because they are great ways to integrate yourself into campus life.”
Abigail Davidson ’25
“At Carthage, being a first-gen student doesn’t hold me back but gives me a superpower to use to my advantage in all aspects of life. I have experienced so much support and encouragement from the entire Carthage community — they will help me become the person I want to be. I feel like I belong here at Carthage, and I have space to grow as a student and individual.”
Resources for First-Generation Students
First-time Freshman College Success Seminar
The College Success Seminar curriculum for first-time freshmen consists of one class a week for seven weeks (see your schedule for details), with your first-year advisor as the instructor.
1G Student Organization
1G is a student-led organization dedicated to developing a sense of community among first-generation students while providing a space to connect with and support each other.
Learn more about 1G on The Harbor
Contact Us
Kelly Smith
Assistant Dean for Student Success and Wellness
Health and Counseling Center
262-551-5725
ksmith17@iin3d.com
