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.
Improving first-generation student engagement, retention, and progression across the student lifecycle
We use national data to help universities identify students early, engage authentically, and empower first-generation students to complete their education with confidence.
How we support universities
First-Generation Student Engagement & Training
Combining inclusive education theory, student voice and research, our staff development training is designed to build awareness, confidence, and practical capability in supporting first-generation students. Providing teams opportunities to learn and develop through formats that work for your department/institution.
Commissioned Workshop Training (Transformation)
Deeper departmental engagement focused on action and implementation.
- Practical tools and frameworks
- Lived experience insights
- Contextualised to institutions and teams
- Resources included
Format: Online or in-person
Pricing: scalable based on cohort size and number of sessions
(available as single, multi-session, or institutional packages).
Why work with us?
Facilitating safe environments
We are trusted by undergraduates across 72 UK Universities. We create safe spaces to share stories and lived experiences.
Working on the ground
Our specialist expertise in first-generation student experience. 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.
Evidence-informed, practice-led approach
Innovate UK funded research project enables us to collaborate with inclusive design experts and first-generation students to curate a programme that responds to emerging needs and critical drop out moments.
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.
Let's work together
Next Steps: We'll learn more about your institutional context and talk through options
Let's work together
Next Steps: We'll learn more about your institutional context and talk through options
Hear from our partners
“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 UWE Bristol, Director of Employability
“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
“Topics were well paced out and informative and the activities were very thought provoking. The information and trainers were fab and really knew their stuff. ”
Student Success Manager, Queen Mary London University
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.
Our work in action
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.
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
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