First-Gen College Students

A first-generation student is typically considered a student who comes from a family where their parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college degree. For our purposes at New York Tech, we also include students with parents who completed a four-year degree at an institution outside the U.S. as part of this definition.

New York Tech strives to provide resources and services that help students succeed academically and, ultimately, professionally, beyond New York Tech. Some of those resources and services include personalized academic advising, financial aid counseling, mental health and wellness support, and career development.

Most students pick their major based on their passions, what piques their curiosity, or what they’re good at. When faced with indecision, your academic advisor and the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising are great resources to help make that final decision.

You don’t have to have your life mapped out from day one, and even if you do, you can always change direction as you learn and grow. The Office of Career Success and Experiential Education helps students develop the key competencies necessary to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to achieve their career goals. Through workshops, programs, and individual appointments, our team supports students like you during important career-related decisions—from exploring majors and careers to connecting with employers recruiting New York Tech talent for internships and jobs. Get connected with Career Services by:

• Activating your Handshake account. Handshake is the #1 way college students find jobs. Log in to explore career options, find jobs and internships, join networking events, and connect with peers and employers. Read this article for tips that will put you on track to landing your next opportunity.
• Dropping in, making an appointment, and getting acquainted with us. Students who are interested in career advisement may schedule an appointment via Handshake or “stop by” Virtual Drop-in Hours. Whether you are just starting to think about your career or beginning to prepare to pursue a specific direction, our team tailors these appointments to meet your unique needs.

Americal Needs You is a professional organization that fights for economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students. They do this by providing transformative mentorship and intensive career development.

First in the Family provides educational information from first-generation college students for first-generation college students.

First Scholars Network institutions are represented by dedicated professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, address challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students.

A national organization founded in 1968, CLEO seeks to expand opportunities for minority and low-income students to attend law school. Since its inception, more than 10,000 students have participated in CLEO’s programs and joined the legal profession.

I’m First is a community supporting first-gen students, created by the nonprofit Center for Student Opportunity, to provide students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college. It is now an initiative of Strive for College, a national nonprofit that also runs a national online mentoring program for college-bound students.

A one-year intensive training program, featuring six months of skills training and a six-month internship at more than 250 top companies. Founded in 2000, Year Up is dedicated to closing the skills gap and the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.

The Center for First-generation Student Success helps colleges and universities to help you succeed as a first-gen student.