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

You've worked hard to become a first-generation college student and it's an identity to be proud of. You are not alone! The number of first-generation students is a growing population on college campuses across the country, especially at Juniata. About one third of our first year student class are first-gen students.

I'm First-Gen Campaign

Each student's college experience is different and identifying as first-gen can hold its own depth of meaning.

The I’m First-Gen Campaign recognizes the various members of the Juniata College community who are the first in their families to attend college and attain a college degree. The campaign highlights First-Gen as an identity and facilitates a way for our students, as well as faculty and staff, to share their stories and connect across campus.

Check out the videos below to hear how first-gen Juniatians celebrate the communities they come from, practice resiliency, persevere through changes, and normalize help-seeking actions to achieve their goals.

Student Testimonials