
First-Generation and Low-Income College Student Support at Wheaton
Approximately 20% of Wheaton students are the first in their families to attend college or come from low-income backgrounds…
… and we’re proud of that! First-gen and low-income students are a strong, independent, and self-reliant community and we believe it’s important to recognize their achievements! Wheaton holds a first-gen student awareness week annually to recognize, support and celebrate this identity with events and programming.
Wheaton dedicates staff and resources to support first-gen students with their individual needs one-on-one…
The The First-Generation & Low Income Committee and Center for Social Justice and Community Impact work with Student and Academic Affairs to develop programming for first-gen students every semester. Additionally, a dedicated AmeriCorps Member currently works to develop long-term support structures for first-gen or low-income students to ensure their success at Wheaton.
The Focus on First-Gen program provides events and programs to build the first-gen community and connect students to resources…
In addition to one-on-one academic support and advising, first-gen centered student programming such as networking events, movie viewings, dinners, alumni panels, and performances are all available for students to take advantage of. Additionally, a first-gen early arrival session, Brave, Bold & F1rst, is held in August prior to that start of the academic year to provide students an opportunity to acclimate to campus, develop connections with peers and meet campus resources.
Student Success Resource Toolkit
Established by the Base in 2022 in an effort to connect first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI)-adjacent student groups and organizations with one another, The First-Generation and Low-Income Student Collaborative aims to:
- increase communication between independently-functioning FGLI organizations on campus
- foster the growth of each FGLI member organization through direct support and student input
- further, strengthen, and establish a more holistic FGLI community at Wheaton
Organizations currently participating in the Student Collaborative include the First Gen Theme House; Brave, Bold & F1rst LLC; the Ohm Initiative; the Muses, as well as representation from the Class of 2026 and the FGLI Support and Development Intern for The Base.
Connect with us
If you are interested in getting involved with the FGLI Student Collaborative, please reach out to the Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA for FGLI Support at (flibotte_micheala@wheatoncollege.edu).
The college understands that not being able to afford some of the costs associated with higher education can cause significant stress and uncertainty, which impacts students’ academic success and personal well-being. The Judy Bland Emergency Fund is intended to cover temporary or unexpected costs and is not a replacement for financial aid. Students can apply at any time. The fund is named for Wheaton alumna M. Judith McNamara Bland ’62 who has been a long-time contributor to an emergency fund for students facing unexpected expenses.
What it means to me to be First Generation
Ways to get involved as a First Generation student
First-Generation Committee
This is a committee of students, staff, and faculty that seeks to institutionalize resources available to FGLI students and work alongside them to define their space and voice in the community.
Contact Raquel Ramos ramos_raquel@wheatoncollege.edu or Kyrie Johnson johnson_kyrie@wheatoncollege.edu
Brave, Bold & First
A pre-orientation program that provides students an opportunity to acclimate to campus, develop connections with peers and meet campus resources.
Contact sjci@wheatoncollege.edu or firstgen@wheatoncollege.edu
First Generation Living Learning Community
First year living and learning community (LLC) for those who identify as first-generation.
Contact firstgen@wheatoncollege.edu or reslife@wheatoncollege.edu
First Generation Theme House
Living option for upperclassmen who are first in their families, or immediate circle of support, to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and/or from low-income backgrounds.
Contact the Faculty Advisor, Srijana Shrestha shrestha_srijana@wheatoncollege.edu
On-campus services
Departmental resources

Off-campus resources
First-Generation and Low-Income Student Contact
equityandbelonging@wheatoncollege.edu