Higher education can be intimidating, especially for students whose parents did not experience it for themselves. That is why First Forward exists. First Forward brings together members of the Drexel community who are working to ensure that first-generation college students are supported and recognized for the unique insights and experiences that they bring with them to campus.

First Forward provides resources for first-generation students and their families, and hosts events throughout the year. Make sure to check out our stories to see how first-generation students, alumni, faculty, and staff navigated the higher education experience.

What Does First-Generation Mean?

The general definition for first-generation is any student whose parents or guardians do not have a four-year college degree. If you have an older sibling in college, you are both first-generation. At Drexel, we recognize the variations to this definition, including, but not limited to, a parent(s) who earned a 4-year degree as an adult learner or who earned a 4-year degree in another country, making you and your siblings the first to earn a 4-year degree in the U.S.

Contact Us

To get involved with First Forward, contact firstgeneration@drexel.edu.