First-gen 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! 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.
Get Started
One-On-One Consultations
Meet with our coordinator for first-generation student initiatives, who will listen, support you and connect you with resources.
Attend a Workshop
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 2025
Financial Wellness Workshops
These workshops are hosted by Keyla Whitaker, the Financial Wellness Coordinator at the Thrive Center.
| Workshop | Date | Time | Location | Who Should Attend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Scores, Credit Cards, and Managing Debt: Foundations for New Credit Users | Tuesday, October 21 | 5:00 - 6:50 p.m. | Edward St. John Room 1215 | First-Year and Sophomores |
| Credit Scores, Credit Cards, and Managing Debt: Strategies for Smart Credit Management | Tuesday, October 28 | 5:00 - 6:50 p.m. | Edward St. John Room 1215 | Juniors and Seniors |
| Let's Play Cash Flow! | Monday, November 3 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Brendan Iribe Center, Room 1116 | All Students |
| Financial Futures: Saving, Investing & Student Loan Strategies for All Terps | Tuesday, December 2 | 5:00 - 6:50 p.m. | Edward St. John, Room 1215 | All Students |
Career Readiness Workshops
These workshops are hosted by the University Career Center.
| Workshop | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envision Your Success: Career Vision Board Workshop | Wednesday, September 10 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | University Career Center, Hornbake 3135 |
| Mastering Public Speaking & Confident Communication | Tuesday, October 7 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | University Career Center, Hornbake 3135 |
| Connect and Thrive: Building Your College Network | Thursday, November 6 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | University Career Center, Hornbake 3135 |
Find Community
Explore the opportunities below to connect, build friendships and celebrate your identity as a first-generation student.
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.
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate students with 30+ earned credits and a 3.2+ GPA
- Graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni who identify as first-generation
Explore More Resources
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.
Resources for Faculty
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.