First Generation Opportunities

First‐Generation Students

Almost 46% of NAU students on the Flagstaff campus identify as first-generation, meaning neither of their parents or guardians earned a bachelor’s degree. First‐generation students are trailblazers, forging new paths for themselves and their families. At Northern Arizona University we are striving to become a campus of excellence for first‐generation students.

Looking for a way to support first-generation students and magnify your impact? You can make a real difference by donating to one of these funds.

• Tri-Alpha Honor Society - The NAU Tri-Alpha chapter promotes academic excellence and provides opportunities for growth, leadership development, and community service for first-generation college students. All first-generation college students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni of NAU are eligible to join Tri-Alpha Honor Society.

• First-Generation Special Opportunity Fund - This fund provides support so first-generation students can experience study abroad, research, and internship opportunities. 

• Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) - The STAR program ensures new freshmen who are Arizona residents and first-generation students have a successful transition from high school into college. Over four weeks during the summer, STAR students take two classes, make peer connections, participate in mentoring, and learn about available NAU resources prior to starting the fall semester. 

• First-Generation Initiatives Expansion - Help provide resources that allow the First-Generation Program to expand support and resources available to first-gen students at NAU. 

• Scholarships for First Scholars - The goal of the First Scholars program is to help first-generation college students succeed in school, graduate, and have a life complete with self-awareness, success, and significance. A four-year commitment, First Scholars engages students from freshmen through senior year in academic and social programming while also supporting students financially with a $2,000 scholarship.