Flying First

Flying First Welcomes You!

Rowan University - A First-gen Forward Institution

In recognition of the University’s efforts to support first-generation students and their families, Rowan University has been designated a First-gen Forward institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.

The University’s Flying First program was named to the 2021-22 First-gen Forward Cohort, an initiative of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. The designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students. Institutions earning the designation receive professional development opportunities, community building experiences and first access to the center’s research and resources. Read more.

Rowan University’s First-Generation Task Force program initiative, Flying First, was developed to enhance academic success for our first-generation students while focusing on an increased sense of belonging within our campus community. Through the promotion of diversity, educational opportunities, and intentional support, Flying First hopes to aid with the transition to college, provide resources to facilitate success in the classroom, and foster pride in and positive perceptions of first-generation students through networking and advocacy throughout the University community.

First Gen·er·a·tion: An applicant whose parents or parent (in the case of an applicant who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent) did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

College students who are proud, enthusiastic, curious, optimistic, grateful, selfless, independent, courageous, motivated, loyal, resourceful, goal-oriented, smart, hard-working, focused, visionary, resilient, dedicated, ambitious, committed, responsible, driven, persistent, and reliable role models for their siblings, cousins, parents, peers, community, and professors.

RUN FOR ROWAN 5K

Every spring, this inspiring event supports Flying First, our initiative dedicated to empowering first-gen students on their academic journey. To celebrate the impact of this support, we’re looking to highlight the unique and powerful stories of our first-generation students for this year’s run taking place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. 🦉

Are you the first in your family to attend college? Share your journey with us! Your story could inspire hundreds of runners, alumni, and supporters as they rally behind you at the Run for Rowan 5K. Imagine seeing your story featured on social media, printed event materials, and email outreach!

By sharing your story, you’re not only celebrating your achievements but also fueling the mission of Flying First for future first-gen Profs. Ready to be featured? Let’s showcase what it means to be a Rowan first-gen! 🎓

Share your story by January 15

Share Your First Gen Story

8th Annual First-Generation Symposium: Belonging & Community: First-Gen Connections That Matter

February 12, 2025 (in person) & February 13, 2025 (virtual)

In today’s interconnected world, the experiences of first-generation individuals stand at the forefront of dialogue around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our conference, "Belonging & Community: First-Gen Connections That Matter," seeks to highlight the vital importance of community and connection in fostering a sense of belonging for first-gen students from the first year of college through professional careers. This conference will serve as a dynamic platform for presenters and first-gen students to share their stories, insights, and strategies for building meaningful relationships. We will explore how community can be a powerful catalyst for growth, support, and empowerment.

The symposium will feature presentations, breakout sessions, and resources, as well as the return of the Student Panel session! The anticipated audience will include students, faculty, and staff from Rowan University and other colleges and universities.

8th Annual First-Generation Symposium 2025

Connect and Get Involved with Flying First

First Generation Club: Interest Form

Whether you are a first-generation college student or simply someone who wants to support, we are excited to have you involved. We are excited to create a supportive and empowering community for students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Please fill out the form below to help us get this initiative off the ground, and thank you for being part of this journey!

Join F1RST: First-Gen Rowan Student Thriving SGA Petitioning Club

First generation college students face unique challenges and stressors. Flying First offers students support and resources to ensure academic success and overall well-being. We encourage First-Gen students to connect and get involved!

Join Flying First Groupme

We're the First

Counseling & Psychological Services at the Wellness Center is proud to partner with Flying First to offer We're the First. Meeting weekly, students learn about current events on campus, resources for First-Gen students and provides a space for connection to other First-Gen students. We're the First will provide First-Gen specific events to support academic success and overall well-being. If you are interested in joining We're the First email Andrea Leach, LCSW.

Share your First-Gen Story

Share your First-Gen story

Sharing personal experiences helps first-generation students feel connected to their community. Would you like to share your experience being or supporting a first-generation student or faculty member?

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

Please email firstgen@rowan.edu with any questions.

Flying First Events

Proflink is your access to events and organizations on campus. Search Proflink for Flying First events and get involved! Flying First collaborates with groups all around Rowan's campus to deliver programming that will impact you, as a first-generation student.

Discover ways to build community and learn more about first-generation student support on campus.

View All Events in ProfLink

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Rowan Opportunity Fund

The Rowan Opportunity Program provides additional institutional funding to pay the gap between tuition & fees and any other grants or scholarships the student receives.

For students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income is between $0 and $65,000 annually, the net cost for tuition and fees will be $0.

Where the eligible student’s family adjusted gross income is between $65,001 to $80,000, students will be able to receive assistance such that their net cost for tuition and fees is no more than $7,500 total for the fall and spring semesters.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?