Office of Student Success, Equity and Innovation

I Am First

Participate in I Am First

What is I Am First?

Our Goals

  1. Create a visibility campaign of first-generation students, faculty, and staff community at Cal Poly Pomona
  2. Create access and equity for First Generation College Students (FGCS) through faculty/staff mentorships

At Cal Poly Pomona, you are a first-generation student if you are any of the following:

  1. A student with neither of their natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree
  2. A student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree
  3. An individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent

How do we support our students?

The transition to college is challenging but it can be even more difficult for those who do not have a parent or guardian who is familiar with the college enrollment process and the expectations of campus life. We have a responsibility to help first-generation college students to navigate the university and help them translate the important life skills they bring with them that will support their academic success.

We recognize that first-generation students bring with them a wealth of strengths and skills to Cal Poly Pomona, including:

  • Aspirations
  • Diversity
  • Linguistic Abilities/Bilingualism
  • Persistence
  • Resilience

Cal Poly Pomona is a First-Gen Forward Campus!

First-Gen Forward logo

This designation from the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. CPP was included in the 2021 cohort of First-Gen Forward colleges and universities.

Read More on PolyCentric

Read More on the Center's Blog