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Center for Student Empowerment

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First Generation Future article

What is a First Gen Student?

Being First-Gen Means that you are a trailblazer and have taken the leap to venture out and obtain your degree. This is something to be incredibly proud of, as you are paving the way for future generations. First Gen Coogs is someone whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree.

Our First-Gen initiatives are:
  • Increase retention and graduation rates
  • Normalize experiences with first gen peers
  • Connect students with positive adult role models and mentors
  • Partner students with academic, social, and financial supports
  • Create networking opportunities with community organizations.
Learn More

 

First-Gen One-On-One CSE Advising

First-Gen One-On-One provides University of Houston students with the opportunity to meet with an advisor to create a personal plan to reach their academic, career, and personal goals. Once a personal plan has been created, First-Gen students can set up regular appointments with their First-Gen advisor to track their goal progress. First-Gen One-On-One Advising is completely free and accessible to all University of Houston CSE First-Gen students.

Make an appointmentAsk Staff Member

Use the following selections. Care Unit: Support Services. Location: CSE-Center for Student Empowerment – Student Service Center 1. Services: First-Gen One-On-One. Staff: First appointment with First-Gen advisor Kathleen Guzman. Meeting Type: In person (Unless accommodations have been approved in advance.)

Fall 2025 Events

Events Date Time Location Information Signup
WOW – First-Gen Mixer   September 3rd, 2025 4 pm – 6pm  SC South Ballroom Are you a first-generation college student at UH? Join us for an unforgettable evening at the First-Gen Mixer, a signature Weeks of Welcome event celebrating your journey and achievements! 

Click Here to RSVP! 
First-Gen Study Strategies with LAUNCH  September 18th, 2025 1 pm – 2 pm  Student Services Center 1 Rm 204D  Ready to level up your study game? Join us for First-Gen Study Strategies with LAUNCH, a power-packed session designed just for first-generation college students looking to sharpen their academic skills and learn about free tutoring resources available right here at UH!  Click Here to RSVP! 
CFSL : First-Gen. FSL Panel September 30th, 2025 12pm – 1pm  SC South Multipurpose or Ballroom  The First-Generation Student & Fraternity/Sorority Life Panel is a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the gap between first-generation college students and fraternity/sorority life.  Click Here to RSVP! 
CFSL: First-Gen. FSL Panel  October 9th, 2025 5pm – 6pm  SC South Multipurpose or Ballroom  The First-Generation Student & Fraternity/Sorority Life Panel is a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the gap between first-generation college students and fraternity/sorority life.  Click Here to RSVP! 
Trailblazers Abroad: First Gen Voices on Study Abroad  September 24th, 2025 1 pm – 2 pm SC South Skyline Rm Trailblazers Abroad: First Gen Voices on Study Abroad 
Hosted by Global Learning Abroad & the Center for Student Empowerment 
Are you the first in your family to attend college and curious about studying abroad? Join us for Trailblazers Abroad, a special event created by first-gen students for first-gen students. Hear directly from University of Houston trailblazers who’ve taken their education global—sharing real stories, challenges, and tips for navigating the study abroad experience. 
Learn how you can make studying abroad possible—no matter your background. Discover scholarship opportunities, hear from advisors, and connect with a supportive community that believes in your potential to thrive internationally. 
Open to all first-generation college students at UH who are interested in global learning. 		 Click Here to RSVP! 
First-Gen Study Strategies with Launch   November 3rd, 2025 11 am – 12 pm Student Service Center 1 Rm 204D  Ready to level up your study game? Join us for First-Gen Study Strategies with LAUNCH, a power-packed session designed just for first-generation college students looking to sharpen their academic skills and learn about free tutoring resources available right here at UH!  Click Here to RSVP! 
First-Gen Imposter Syndrome Workshop  November 4th, 2025 12 pm – 1 pm  SC South – Skyline Rm Do you ever feel like you don’t belong or that you’re just “faking it” in college—even when you’ve earned your spot? You’re not alone. 
Join the Center for Student Empowerment for a powerful and empowering First-Gen Imposter Syndrome Workshop, created specifically for first-generation college students. This interactive session will explore what imposter syndrome is, how it shows up in academic and personal life, and most importantly, how to overcome it. 		 Click Here to RSVP! 
First-Gen A.D. Bruce Free lunch Wednesday hosted by CSE November 5th, 2025 2 pm – Till supplies run out A.D. Bruce Religion Center  Join the Center for Student Empowerment’s First-Gen Program for Free Lunch Wednesday at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center. Whether you’re a first-generation college student or just hungry for good food and good company, everyone’s welcome!  Click Here to RSVP! 
Open to all till supplies runs out.  
First-Gen Bash November 6th, 2025 2 pm – 5 pm   SC South Ballroom   Join the Center for Student Empowerment for our First-Gen Bash, an exciting celebration honoring University of Houston students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year university. 
This uplifting event will feature inspiring guest speakers, free food, entertainment, and plenty of networking opportunities to connect with fellow First-Gen Coogs and campus resources. It’s a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, celebrate your accomplishments, and fuel your journey ahead. 		 Click Here to RSVP! 

Are you the first in your family to attend a four-year university? That’s a BIG deal — and we want to celebrate YOU in a BIG way!

The University of Houston is planning exciting events just for first-gen students — but we want to make sure they’re things you actually want to attend. Whether you're into music, food trucks, career tips, cultural vibes, or chill hangouts, we want to hear from you. Take this quick (and fun!) survey to tell us what kind of events you'd love to see this year: It only takes 2 minutes — and your ideas could shape the next big first-gen bash, workshop, or giveaway!

Click Here!

First-Gen Resources

FIRST-GEN SPOTLIGHT

 

COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT AT UH

Junior Strategic Communications major Omar, a First-generation Hispanic student at UH, talks about the support he found at the university, including scholarships, guidance, and a community. He also talks about the many roles he's undertaken at UH, including now serving as a Student Experience Captain, as well as specific campus resources such as the Center for Student Empowerment and Student Involvement, which promote mental health and well-being through various programs and events.