F1RST Program

Contact us

Email: coaching@tamug.edu 
Phone: (409) 741-4343

Zoom: AskAgs Help Desk
Mon - Thurs: 9am-5pm

As a first-generation student, we know it takes a community to support, encourage and guide you through the unknowns to come in the next few years. The mission of the F1RST Program is to serve first-generation college students in the transition to and through the university. All first-generation, undergraduate students are invited to join the F1RST Learning Community which provides a broad array of resources and opportunities to learn about, and engage with, the institution. This includes a weekly small-group community meeting, targeted lessons to guide student development, special events, and unique access to staff and faculty support. F1RST students also benefit from consistent peer mentorship from upper-class students who are able to uniquely guide and support them as they transition to college. These students are trained, prepared and excited to help you successfully navigate college as a F1RST student. 

Some F1RST students additionally qualify for a F1RST Grant, dependent on financial need and Texas residency. See below for additional details on the F1RST Grant. Participation in the F1RST Program is not contingent upon grant eligibility; you are still fully eligible to participate in F1RST regardless of grant awarding

There are many ways to define first-generation. The definition that our campus officially uses to determine first-generation status is that first-generation students are the first in their family to attend college meaning  that neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree.

F1RST Program participants have the opportunity for limited financial support in addition to the academic and social support provided. Here are some important details regarding the F1RST Grant

F1RST Funding

• This is a four (4) year, renewable award up to $20,000
• Pays in eight (8) stipends of up to $2,500 each term ($5,000 per year) for four (4) years
• Final eligibility for this funding will be determined based on the FAFSA (or TASFA); you must submit your FAFSA (or TASFA) and any additional documentation requested in order to be considered for this funding. 
• Students requiring financial aid verification must fully complete that process prior to consideration for this award

Grant Eligibility

• F1RST Scholarship Grant is based upon financial need and funding availability. Funding is limited and will be awarded to those demonstrating eligibility on a rolling basis.
  • A total family income of $50,000 or below is required
  • Prompt completion of the FAFSA (or TASFA) and confirmation steps are strongly encouraged. You must complete the FAFSA (or TASFA) by April 15, 2021 to be considered for this award.
• To be eligible for the F1RST grant, you must additionally:
  • Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree)
  • Be a Texas resident
• Students who receive the F1RST grant are required to participate in a living learning community during their first year at TAMUG and will reside in a designated residence hall area. 
• To be eligible for continuation of the F1RST grant, you must:
  • Enroll full-time - 12 credit hours
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress 
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university
  • Successfully complete program requirements
  • Continue to demonstrate financial eligibility through the FAFSA/TASFA annually 

Let us know your interest in participating in F1RST Gen Programs for 2024-2025 year! Sign up here.

Incoming F1rst Gen Interest form

F1RST LLC - F1RST on First!

F1RST Living Learning Community (LLC) is an opportunity for first-generation students to live together as a community in Ocean’s 1st floor. The LLC focuses on building a community of peers and resources to support the adjustment to college. 

F1RST Gen HU

F1RST HU is an opportunity for first-generation students to learn together in a specific Hullaballoo U community experience. All first-year students on the campus are required to participate in an HU experience during their first semester. The F1RST HU community is an opportunity to learn from others who are also first in their families to attend college.

F1RST Gen Program

Throughout the term, first-gen specific programming will be shared with students to assist in understanding resources, connecting to the campus, and celebrating themselves and peers as the first in their families. Download Navigate and follow our Instagram @tamugf1rstgen to stay up-to-date on events!