First Gen Blue Streak
You’re the first. You belong here.
If you’re the first in your family to earn a four-year degree, you’re a First-Generation Blue Streak—and you’re not doing this alone. From your first campus visit through graduation, we’ll help you find your people, your path, and your momentum.
Current student? Go to the First-Gen Hub in myJCU
Starting college is a big step—especially when you’re the first in your family to take it. At John Carroll University, “first-gen” isn’t a label; it’s a community. You’ll meet faculty and staff who understand your journey, find peers who cheer you on, and tap into resources that make each step clearer and lighter.
You are a First-Gen If...
- Your natural or adoptive parents did not receive a bachelor's degree, or
- You lived with only one parent and the parent did not receive a bachelor's degree, or
- You did not live with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent, or
- Your natural or adoptive parents received a bachelor's degree in a country outside the United States.
What is social and cultural capital?
Social capital is the information, resources, and support you can tap through relationships and networks.
Cultural capital is the know-how you bring into new settings—like using office hours or networking at events.
First-gen students don’t always inherit these playbooks, so our programs make the unwritten rules visible and connect you with people who can help.
How We Support First-Gen Students
From your first questions to your first internship and beyond, you’ll find people, programs, and practical tools designed for first-gen success—so every step feels clearer, lighter, and more doable.
Belonging & Community
You’ll find a welcoming network through the Center for Student Belonging, plus peers and near-peer mentors who’ve walked this path and are ready to walk it with you.
Academic Confidence
From one-on-one advising and success coaching to writing, math, and subject tutoring, we focus on the strategies that help you learn, persist, and thrive.
Well-Being
Counseling, health, and wellness resources support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—so you can bring your best self to class and community.
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Belonging & Community
You’ll find a welcoming network through the Center for Student Belonging, plus peers and near-peer mentors who’ve walked this path and are ready to walk it with you.
-
Academic Confidence
From one-on-one advising and success coaching to writing, math, and subject tutoring, we focus on the strategies that help you learn, persist, and thrive.
-
Well-Being
Counseling, health, and wellness resources support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—so you can bring your best self to class and community.
Signature First-Gen Programs & Opportunities
1st Gen Business Cards
The 1st Gen Business Cards Program helps First Generation JCU students familiarize themselves with business settings and make career connections, starting with their own free business cards.
First Gen Proud
Look for faculty and staff members with the sticker below. They were also First-Generation when they went to school. They have a wealth of knowledge to share with you and will be happy to hear about your experience!
First-Generation Recognition Program
The First-Generation Recognition Program is a heartfelt celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements of first-generation graduates. During this special ceremony, graduates are presented with blue and black cords to wear at commencement, symbolizing their unique journey and perseverance.
Tri-Alpha Honor Society
John Carroll University is honored to be part of the chapter of Tri-Alpha. Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society for first-generation college students. This honor society is a way to celebrate the academic achievements of our first-generation students and is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Faculty and staff may also be inducted. Learn more: https://www.1stgenhonors.org/home
First Gen Celebration - November 8
Each year our office celebrate the First Generation Community with the annual day of November 8th and followed by a week of events!
These events include Tower Time, networking mixer, celebration and First Gen Fridays.
First-Gen Ambassadors
First-Gen Ambassadors are students committed to promoting awareness of being first-gen as a college student by educating and empowering themselves and their peers on a variety of topics, providing innovative, creative, and educational programming, and outreach to staff, students and faculty.
First-Gen Ambassadors will serve as a resource, mentor, and role model for their peers.
