Of the 1,201 students on the Hilltop, 20-25 percent are the first in their immediate family to attend college.

With such a large number of first-generation college students, Birmingham-Southern has multiple programs in place to provide help and encouragement to these students.

Southern Exposure, made possible by a grant from AT&T Alabama, is one program that helps first-generation students transition into the college experience. Held each June, the week-long program allows first-year, first-generation students to meet with academic advisors, hear testimonies from first-generation faculty and staff, and get involved with the Birmingham community.

“I felt right at home from my experience with Southern Exposure,” says sophomore Luis Anguiano. “I had the opportunity to make connections with professors and friendships with individuals who face similar hardships.”

1-G is a new student programming organization on campus for first-generation college students, currently led by sophomore Aysia Walker.

“This is a very goal-oriented group,” says Aaliyah Moore, student success coordinator at BSC. “It is important to highlight first-generation students to be able to build the proper support system for them to succeed. 1-G is building programs to help students develop meaningful relationships as they transition into college.”

Although the group is new, they have ambitious goals. To celebrate National First-Generation College Student Day on Friday, Nov. 8, the organization has planned a week full of activities promoting and encouraging first-generation students.

National First-Gen Week Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 4
Let’s Talk First-Gen
Faculty/Staff Panel & Reception
4:30 p.m.
Norton Theatre

Tuesday, Nov. 5
Let’s Talk First-Gen Pt. 2
Student Panel in collaboration with BSU
6 p.m.
Union House

Wednesday, Nov. 6
First-Gen Field Day
6 p.m.
Urban Air
*First 15 students to RSVP on Engage receive free admission.

Thursday, Nov. 7
First-Gen Tabling
10 a.m.
Norton Atrium

Friday, Nov. 8
National First-Gen Celebration Day
Community Service

In the future, the group hopes to implement more new programs. They are looking to develop high school outreach events, where they will give local high school students advice on applying for scholarships and financial aid, tips for time-management, and help with the college application process.

“Students are coming from so many different walks and backgrounds, and BSC is here to help them along the way,” says Moore.

Save the Date

BSC’s Young Alumni Council has taken note of the significance of first-generation students on campus, and has devoted the 2019 Giving Tuesday Campaign to raising funds for a first-generation student in BSC’s Class of 2024.

This will be a one-day fundraising campaign on Tuesday, Dec. 3, but they will be recognizing first-generation students throughout the month of November. Learn more here.