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  1. Home
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  3. Student Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

I'm First

First Generation Students

I'm First strives to build a supportive community for first generation students at Penn State Abington. As first-generation students, students enrolled will be the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree in the US.

I'm First 2024-2025 Sign Up

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We provide students with resources, a faculty/staff mentor, and opportunities to feel supported on campus. Students enrolled in I’m First are eligible to be inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society for First Generation Students. I'm First is supported by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

What are First Generation students?

  • Neither of the student's parents, nor step-parents, nor legal guardians, completed a bachelor's degree.
  • Students enrolled in the program are eligible to receive
    • I’m First shirt,
    • faculty or staff mentor,
    • invitation to the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society,
    • access to exclusive trips,
    • community of support throughout campus. 

Programming

I’m First hosts monthly Chat n Chews that offer students the opportunity to connect with one another, faculty/staff, and learn more about campus resources. Join our Engage member list to stay up to date.

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Alpha Alpha Alpha

Alpha Alpha Alpha or Tri-Alpha is the honor society that recognizes academic achievements of first-generation college students. To be inducted into Tri-Alpha undergraduate students must have 36 credits and a 3.2 GPA. Graduate students must have a 3.5 GPA and 9 credits. Inductions are held during the spring and fall semester at Cultural Graduation.

Students who are inducted receive graduation cords, a pin, certificate, and lifetime membership. There are no costs associated with Tri-Alpha.

Student Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  • Safer People Safer Places
  • Multicultural Student Organizations
  • SODEI Events
  • I'm First
    • I'm First: Frequently Asked Questions
    • I'm First: Terms to Know
    • I'm First: First-Generation Faculty and Staff
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Penn State Abington

Conveniently located in a suburban setting, north of Philadelphia, and easily accessible by public transportation.
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1600 Woodland Road, Abington, Pennsylvania 19001 215-881-7300

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