First-Gen Lions

First-Gen Lions strives to create a supportive community for first-generation students at Penn State Abington. A first-generation student is the first in their immediate family to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the United States. 

 Sign Up

Students standing on the stairs of The Met smiling for photo

First Gen Trip The Met 2026

Credit: Penn State

We provide students with resources, a faculty, staff, or alumni mentor, and opportunities to feel supported on campus. Students enrolled in First Gen Lions are eligible to be inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society for First-Generation Students. First-Gen Lions is supported by the Belonging, Opportunity, Networking and Development Center (BOND).

Perks of Joining First-Gen Lions

  • Students enrolled in the program are eligible to receive
    • First-Gen Lions shirt
    • faculty, staff, or alumni mentor
    • invitation to the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society
    • access to exclusive trips
    • community of support throughout campus

Programming

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Alpha Alpha Alpha

Group of students smiling wearing cords and holding certificates

Tri-Alpha-Induction 2026

Credit: Penn State

Alpha Alpha Alpha or Tri-Alpha is the honor society that recognizes academic achievements of first-generation college students. To be inducted into the Tri-Alpha Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Abington, undergraduate students must have 36 credits and a 3.2 GPA. Graduate students must have a 3.5 GPA and 9 credits. The induction ceremony is held during the spring semester, and students are encouraged to bring guests to join in celebrating their achievement.

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