First-Gen at Kean University
Am I First Generation?
Definition: Neither parent/guardian have completed a bachelors degree.
First Gen Fridays
Each Friday Kean University feature's faculty, students and staff who identify as first generation college students on social media (please see definition above).
Submit your story here to be feature!
There is More on The Way - Stay Up to Date with us!
Fill out this quick form so we can capture your information to keep you posted on First-Gen Initiatives!
Our First-Gen Events
Inaugural First-Gen Fest 11/7
Join us as we celebrate First-Gen scholars on National First Gen Day 11/8 (we will celebrate on Thurs 11/7). Various departments from across campus, such as Scholarship Services, Cougar Connections Center for Social Work, Career Services, and many more, will collaborate as we celebrate our Kean Firsts!
RSVP on Cougarlink: https://kean.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10306520
Celebrate First-Gen College Student Week!
Join us as we celebrate First-Gen scholars on National First Gen Day 11/8 (we will celebrate on Thurs 11/7). Various departments from across campus, such as Scholarship Services, Cougar Connections Center for Social Work, Career Services, and many more, will collaborate as we celebrate our Kean Firsts!
RSVP on Cougarlink:
Our Past Events:
First Gen STEAM Faculty/Staff Panel
On July 30th, we hosted the First-Gen Faculty/Staff Panel for the STEAM Academy in partnership with Career Services and NJ Transit. Students Susan Berube and Zaeana Santos represented our First-Gen student population. Matthew Smith, an Academic Advsior from the Center for Advising, Persistence and Success (CAPS), Dr. Uzma Ali, Associate Director for Online Advisement and Senior Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Marina Carriera, Managing Assistant Director to The Dean of The College of Education and Senior Adjunct Professor of Women and Gender Studies represented our Kean faculty and staff.
Inaugural Tri-Alpha Induction 2024
On April 17th, Kean University chartered the Iota Gamma chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha for short). A combination of students, faculty, and staff members were inducted. To find out more about Tri-Alpha, click here.
Kean students, faculty and staff stand as they are initiated into Tri-Alpha.
Kean Senior, Sandra Bandeira is pinned by her father.
First Gen Alumni and Student Networking Event
Date: Weds, April 3, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Kean Hall 127
Get ready to connect and celebrate at our First-Gen Alumni & Student Networking event! Join us for an awesome night of mingling, dinner, and cool giveaways. Let's talk about our first-gen experiences and build connections that last way beyond the event. Don't miss out on this chance to bond with fellow first-gen leaders! See you there!
National First Gen Day
November 8th, 2023
On November 8th, Kean University celebrated students who were the first in their families to attend college and found extra support and resources at the university. Watch and learn how these Cougars climb higher at Kean.