Universities

Universities

Our research and evidence-based framework is closing the national socioeconomic outcomes gaps.

The First-generation metric is the most predictive indicator of those less likely to attend HE. This should be included in the conversation when talking about widening university participation. When we widen participation, we need to ensure diverse student talent is retained.

FirstGens partners with university departments to build systems that level the educational playing field, with capacity to scale.

We collaborated with design experts and first-generation students to curate a student-centric programme addressing the root causes of first-generation student challenges, helping students avoid common unexpected hurdles.

How we can support

Pre-arrival support

Our 6-month program invites your students to engage in structured activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and provide timely information and guidance through our bespoke curriculum, the Navigating University Roadmap. These activities help reduce the common first 3-week dropout rates.

On course support

Our programme offers a well-structured series of activities for first-generation students. Participants receive a comprehensive workbook and access to on-demand content through a single sign-on digital platform. This setup ensures scalability, enabling universities to effectively support large cohorts of first-generation students.

First-generation student awareness training

To support university staff, we deliver a half day learning and development webinar, combining secondary research with unique insights discovered from internal surveys and focus groups. This session offers experiences, thoughts and ideas shared by first-generation students across the UK.

Office for Students' First-generation Student Risks: We anticipate and tackle the root cause, before they become existential.

  • Risk 2

    Information and guidance

  • Risk 6

    Insufficient academic support

  • Risk 7

    Insufficient personal support

  • Risk 12

    Progression from higher education.

How we support departments

A common challenge for universities we work with is widening participation students not engaging with the university service support on offer.

Wondering why students aren't engaging in widening participation initiatives? There is a need for authentic relationships, established early and built on community-led trust. We've built an intervention strategy which not only nurtures sense of belonging and increases engagement, but it's activity that students want to be a part of.

We work with you to build an intervention model that integrates pre-arrival data for a personalised transition.

Why work with us?

Facilitating safe environments

We facilitate safe environments to discuss difficult conversations about our lived experiences. Such as crossing cultures, identifying shifting and accent bias. Through coaching techniques and practical strategies, we offer essential coping mechanisms and self-efficacy.

Working on the ground

By working on the ground with your students, we share insights and learnings which can be applied to an institution-wide approach to inclusion. We believe that change is often most effective and impactful when it comes from within. We partner with university departments to build systems with capacity to scale.

Bringing first-hand expertise

Through our work, we meet students where they are at and act as a guiding light, providing students with roadmap to understand what is ahead of them. Leaving them feeling equipped and within a supportive and representative community group, guiding them on each step.

What people are saying

Our work in action

Events Discover our events dedicated to the advancement of outcomes for first-generation students. These events serve as a platform for thought leadership, initiating discussions to promote equity in higher education.

Wonkhe article "After a Universities UK campaign highlighted the success of first generation students, Sunday Blake and Alaya Holloway look the complexities and nuances of supporting such a diverse group."

Our work in action

Events Discover our events dedicated to the advancement of outcomes for first-generation students. These events serve as a platform for thought leadership, initiating discussions to promote equity in higher education.

Wonkhe article "After a Universities UK campaign highlighted the success of first generation students, Sunday Blake and Alaya Holloway look the complexities and nuances of supporting such a diverse group."

Keep up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and stay in touch with everything FirstGens related

What students say

Let's work together

Office for Students have released a 2 million fund to partner with 3rd sector organisations who provide support for intersectional communities. Let's explore how we can give your students access to our intervention provision.