The First-Generation Badgers program enhances coordination and programmatic support among campus offices, offers opportunities for students to connect with one another throughout the academic year, and informs the development of services for current and future first-gen students.
Student Affairs announced the launch of First-Generation Badgers in September 2023.
Quick Links
Who is “First-Generation”?
FirstGen Forward defines first-generation students as those whose “parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree.”
Resources for First-Generation Students
UW–Madison provides a variety of resources for first-generation undergraduate and graduate students. While some program benefits are exclusive to a program’s cohort, staff remain dedicated to supporting the success of first-generation students and can serve as a mentor/resource. Learn more at the websites linked below.
Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Available to all UW–Madison students
Offers an enriching, inclusive community for low-income, rural, and/or first-gen students in Letters & Sciences (L&S)
Badger Promise
Managed by Office of Student Financial Aid
Provides financial assistance (including grants and scholarships) to first-generation, Wisconsin-resident, transfer students
Center for Educational Opportunity
Application required
Empowers eligible students through holistic advising, campus resources, and by fostering a supportive campus climate
Office of Student Financial Aid Success Services
Available to all UW–Madison students
Facilitates student success skills with coaching, mentoring, Basic Needs support, and workshops
BANNER (Badger Aid for Non-residents)
Managed by Office of Student Financial Aid
Provides financial assistance (including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans) to out-of-state, low-income students
Parent and Family Program
Available to families & supporters of UW–Madison students
Shares resources to support student success throughout college
First-Generation Students Abroad
Available to all UW–Madison students
Provides advice and resources to first-generation students who are also the first in their families to study abroad
McNair Scholars Program
Application required
Beginning in undergraduate years, bridges the transition to graduate education while working to increase the number of underrepresented students earning a Ph.D.
Know a Resource for First-Generation Badgers?
Share it with Student Affairs!
608-265-3540
“We are thrilled to be starting this initiative in support of our first-gen students. As a first-generation student myself, I recall how difficult it was at times to be learning the ins and outs of college academics and campus life without guidance or experience from my family. I’m excited to work with our campus colleagues to strengthen our offerings and community-building opportunities for first-gen students at UW.”
– Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor
First-Generation Badgers Working Group
Members of the First-Generation Badgers Working Group represent offices that serve or work on behalf of first-generation students. The group aims to complete an inventory of services and support structures for first-generation students, collect new data on first-gen student satisfaction, and design ways to recognize and celebrate first-gen student accomplishments.
Barry Burden
Position title: Professor, Department of Political Science
AJ Butler
Position title: Shared Governance Chair, Associated Students of Madison
Nick Ewoldt
Position title: Assistant Dean, Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Audra Hernández
Position title: Director, McNair Scholars Program
Julie Janiak
Position title: Director, Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
Shelby Knuth
Position title: Assistant Director of Transfer Student Engagement, Transfer Transition Program
Caitlyn LoMonte
Credentials: (she/her)
Position title: Director, Office of Inclusion Education; Interim Director, Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
Justin Mumford
Position title: Deputy Director for Strategic Engagement, Division of Enrollment Management
Christina Olstad
Credentials: Working Group Co-Chair
Position title: Dean of Students
Fernie Rodriguez
Credentials: Working Group Co-Chair
Position title: Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Karen Stroud-Phillips
Position title: Director & Assistant Dean, Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Karen Thomas
Position title: Associate Director of Academic Affairs Initiatives, Office of Academic and Career Success (OACS)
Rachael Willits
Position title: Associate Director, Office of Student Assistance and Support
News and events
Latest Events
No events returned.
Past Events
Badger Dialogues | Belonging as a First-Generation Student | Oct. 16, 2023
National First-Generation College Celebration Day | Nov. 8, 2023
Crafting Vision Vessels: A First-Gen Winter Welcome | Feb. 6, 2024
Trailblazers of Tomorrow: A First-Gen Graduation Event | May 5, 2024
First-Generation Student Welcome | October 1, 2024
Latest News
The Value of Early Support & Campus Community for First-Gen Badgers
The summer before her first year, Jocelyn Hernandez-Galan was already familiarizing herself with the bus route to campus. As a first-year, first-generation student who planned to commute from her home in Fitchburg, she would need …
October 28, 2024McNair Scholars Program Applications Being Accepted Through October 1
The application portal for the UW–Madison Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is open now through Tuesday, October 1. The program aims to increase the number of students from underrepresented segments of society who earn their PhD.
September 11, 2024UW–Madison Joins FirstGen Forward Network
This August, UW–Madison was one of 80 universities selected to join the FirstGen Forward Network (formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success), based on the university’s demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation students. …
September 10, 2024Trailblazers of Tomorrow: A First-Gen Graduation
Over 150 Badgers, along with their families and supporters, celebrated being the first in their families to graduate college during “Trailblazers of Tomorrow: A First-Gen Graduation Event.” The event featured remarks from Dean of Students …
May 17, 2024A Night of Firsts: First-Gen Badgers Gather for First-Generation College Celebration Day
On November 8, over 90 students, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate National First-Generation College Celebration Day in the Fluno Center Skyview Room. As a fellow first-gen student, I was inspired by the support for …
November 17, 2023