First-generation students are the first in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree—and you’re not alone. Over 6,100 UMD undergrads are first-gen!
Get Started
The Thrive Center and campus partners are here to provide resources and guidance, create community and connection, celebrate your accomplishments and advocate for your success.
Meet one-on-one with our coordinator for first-generation student initiatives, who will listen, support you and connect you with resources.
Take part in financial wellness workshops that build confidence in managing money and career readiness workshops that strengthen skills like goal-setting, public speaking and networking for life after UMD.
Fall 2026 information coming soon.
- First-Generation Student Association (FGSA): The First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) is a student leadership organization that supports the transition and success of first-generation students. Open to all UMD students, the group builds community and offers leadership opportunities while being hosted within the Honors College.
- First-Gen Fridays: These casual gatherings connect first-gen students with faculty and staff for conversations, resources and community-building. Colleges across campus will host events to create welcoming spaces and foster connection.
- National First-Generation Celebration Day: Each year on (and around) November 8, UMD joins institutions nationwide in celebrating First-Generation College Celebration Day. Our campus hosts a week of events to highlight the contributions and accomplishments of first-gen students, faculty, staff and alumni.
- Tri-Alpha Honor Society: The Nu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) is UMD’s first honor society for first-gen students. Tri-Alpha recognizes academic excellence and leadership, while offering mentorship, professional development and a lifelong community. Open to undergraduate students with 30+ earned credits and a 3.2+ GPA and graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni who identify as first-generation.
Additional Resources
First-Gen Terps Website
The First-Gen Terps website highlights upcoming events, campus resources, leadership opportunities and ways to celebrate your journey. It’s your go-to hub for building connections, finding support and making the most of your UMD experience.
Faculty Learning Community
Join the Supporting First-Generation Students learning community, offered in partnership with the Teaching & Learning Transformation Center, to help instructors better understand first-gen students at UMD and explore practical ways to support their success in the classroom.