LSA Launches Innovative First Fellows Program to Support First-Gen Sophomores

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan is launching a new program called “LSA First Fellows,” which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive new first-generation student support initiatives in higher education. LSA First Fellows is specifically designed for first-generation sophomores, combining academic exploration, mentorship, community, and financial support into a connected student experience.

First Fellows is a cohort-based program that connects students to the people, resources, and opportunities essential to their success at the University of Michigan.  It is available to all domestic first-gen sophomore students—both in-state and out-of-state students—through a brief and simple application process.

For first-generation students entering their sophomore year, this is one the most pivotal moments of their college journey. It is a time when they explore majors, build their identity and community, and begin making lifelong decisions about their careers and future.

“As a first-generation college student myself, I know how challenging it can be to navigate college as the first in your family to do so. We want every first-gen student in LSA to have a meaningful connection to a person on our campus who cares about them and their success,” said LSA Dean Rosario Ceballo, who is also a professor of psychology, and of women’s and gender studies. “In LSA, we are deeply committed to supporting all of our students as they experience the powerful impact of a liberal arts and sciences education. LSA First Fellows is uniquely designed to ensure our first-gen sophomores are connected to vital university resources and a community of mentors and peers so no one navigates their college journey alone.”

Historically, first-generation students have faced systemic challenges. Financial barriers, navigating large and complex university systems without the guidance of family with similar experiences, feelings of isolation, and limited time to network or search for internships all greatly impact students’ college experiences.

LSA’s new program aims to help address these challenges in a comprehensive way that is grounded in the strengths, talents, and aspirations of first-generation students.
 

The First Fellows program includes:
 

Course and Cohort Support

Through a one-credit course, readings, and discussions, First Fellows will participate in a cohort-based learning experience designed to explore topics such as selecting majors and minors, research and internship opportunities, leadership development, financial literacy, navigating campus resources, and preparing for summer experiences and life beyond the classroom.

Team-Based Mentoring Support

Every First Fellow will be connected to a small support network of faculty, staff, and peers who can help students navigate the university, build meaningful connections, and explore opportunities across campus and beyond. The goal is not simply advising, but creating relationships that help students feel connected, supported, and confident in navigating the University of Michigan.

Community and Belonging

First Fellows will be invited to participate in events and experiences designed to strengthen students’ sense of belonging, pride, and connection to the broader first-generation community at U-M. The program will create opportunities for students to celebrate milestones, engage with alumni and mentors, and build lasting relationships across the university community.

Experiential Support

Every First Fellow will receive $4,000 to support learning opportunities in the summer following their sophomore year. This financial support, which is funded through philanthropy, will be available to all students in the program, regardless of financial need.  Students may use the funding to pursue experiences such as research assistantships, internships, community-engaged learning, creative projects, or study abroad opportunities—helping ensure that financial barriers do not limit access to transformative educational experiences.

“I was a first-generation college student, and I remember what it was like to know that I belonged in college but not always know how everything worked or what opportunities were available to me,” said John A. Vasquez, U-M assistant vice provost for student success and senior director of the Comprehensive Studies Program at LSA. “That’s a big part of why this work matters so much to me. I want our first-generation students in LSA to know that they belong here, that there are people invested in their success, and that they don’t have to figure out Michigan on their own."

LSA First Fellows is an extension of the college’s longstanding commitment to supporting students who are the first in their families to complete a four-year college degree. Other related LSA programs include the Kessler Scholars Program and the Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP). All of these programs are part of the LSA First-Gen Pathways, a unit for comprehensive and coordinated efforts dedicated to first-generation college students.

To learn more about LSA First Fellows, visit lsa.umich.edu/first-fellows.