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.
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
“It can be tempting for institutions to make assumptions about student’s needs based on data indicators. By working with students directly, learning from them, building that knowledge and then sharing it across the institution, we are using lived experience to shape provision and recognising that all students are individuals. ”
Colette Percival Director of Careers at UWE Bristol
“I was planning to defer or dropout of my first term at university until I had a 1:1 with the team while on the Navigating University Programme. They gave me hope and signposted me to the right university departments. I now feel empowered to stay on my course.”
Mia, Graphic Design Student
“I wanted to gain insight into the experiences of first gen students and learn about how we can better assist/advise and support. The training was really informative. I appreciated the integration of real life statistics and comments from students. Alaya was a fantastic, welcoming and knowledgable on the topic. A great flagbearer for First-generation students.”
Nottingham Trent UniversityWidening Participation Manager
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."
Catalysing systemic change in collaboration with UCAS.
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What students say
“I don't think I would have signed up to the careers events if the email came from my university. When it comes from FirstGens, you pay extra attention because you know they are looking out for you and have your best interest in mind. Through the programme, I received a bursary which I wouldn't have seen had I not been told through the programme.”
Hassan Business Student
“As a first-generation student with two parents in non-professional careers, I often recognise differences between the support and resources available to my friends with parents who aren't first-generation students. I love the aim of this organisation and feel that this work is vital.”
Kate GregoryThe University of Sheffield
“FirstGens exposed me to corporates. Access to the community led me to scholarships I never knew existed. I now work in a top 5 magic circle law firm. Most importantly, FirstGens has taught me to be resilient and proud of my background and experiences.”
ThaliaWarwick University Student
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.