First2Go

First Generation at UCCS

First2Go is designed to recognize, celebrate, and establish belonging for first-generation college students at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. With over 20% of UCCS undergrads identifying as first-generation, First2Go offers a space for connection, support, and celebration to come alongside students through their college journey.

Find us in the MOSAIC in the University Center Room 110 (UC110). You may also reach out to us through email: first2go@uccs.edu.

What does it mean to be a first-generation college student?

You are a first-generation college student if NEITHER of your parent(s) or guardian(s) received a bachelor's (4-year) degree in the United States.

You are first-generation even if...

  • You have a parent or guardian who took a few college classes or completed a community college (associates) or technical degree.
  • Your brother or sister, aunt or uncle, or even a grandparent has a bachelor's degree.
  • You have a parent or guardian who received a bachelor's degree at an international college or university.

Engage with First2Go if you're looking for...

  • Support: Students can come to First2Go for both individualized support and group events. 
  • Community: Be a part of a growing community! Meet other first-gen students, faculty, and staff at UCCS. Join our events or interact on our platforms to meet new people and make friends.
  • Celebration: First-Gen students deserve to be celebrated. Join First2Go in celebrating the end of the semester, end of the year, your graduation, and also the fact that you're here surviving and thriving during National First-Generation College Celebration.
 

Connect with us!

Support
An image of students sitting in rows of couches for a presentation in the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center.

Individualized Support: Students can schedule one-on-one appointments with our program coordinator, Ashley San Miguel. Whether it's setting goals, accessing resources, or simply seeking guidance, our coordinator is here to help. Additionally, students can drop into the MOSAIC Lounge and ask any of the professional staff present questions! You can use Student Support Network or email Ashley to book an appointment. MOSAIC and First2Go appointments can be found under the Support Centers tab. 

Community
A photo of students participating in the First2Go Paint and Sip in the MOSAIC Lounge.

Join our community! First-gen students, staff, and faculty are welcome to join our events, workshops, and celebrations. Keep an eye on our social media and MLC for different events. Not sure if you want to come to any events yet? That's okay! Keep up with us by signing up for our student newsletter or following us on Instagram

Look out for First2Go Coffee and Chat events, where you can come to drink coffee and meet other first-gen students. Hang out with us during National First-Generation Celebration Week; we have events featuring alumni, staff, faculty, and fellow students! 

Whichever way you want to engage with us, we're happy to have you and that you're here. 

Professional Development
Clyde the Mascot laying across the bench

First2Go offers professional development opportunities designed to uncover the hidden curriculum of the professional world and prepare first-generation students to navigate workplace expectations and career growth confidently. We collaborate with a variety of campus partners to provide workshops and other opportunities that support students in this development. 

Some upcoming events this semester are: 

  • Career and Major Exploration Workshop - Oct 4
  • Stepping on the Road to Undergraduate Research - Oct 15
  • Networking 101 - Nov 6
  • First-Gen in STEM Research - Nov 7
Celebration
A photo of the staff who worked on FAM graduation holding props and smiling. From left to right, Whitley Hadley, Rame Hanna, Xuan Troung, Jon DeWitt, Ashley San Miguel, Karlye Enkler,  Nicole Simmons-Rochon, Sloan Gonzalez, and Rafael Norwood

Let us celebrate you! It is our hope that all first-gen students are deeply proud to be at UCCS and we want to celebrate them all. When you graduate, you can join the First-Generation and Multicultural Graduation Celebration (FAM) to be honored with a cord and shout out your accomplishments. 

Don't want to wait until then? Submit your First2Go story to be shared on our social media, website, and more. Tell us about your journey, goals, and achievements.