Administrative Department

First Generation Initiatives

First-Generation Initiatives at Montclair State University provides support, resources and community for first-generation college students and their families. A first-generation student is someone who is the first in their immediate family to attend college, or the first in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree. At Montclair, nearly half of incoming students identify as first-generation. Through programming, mentorship and campus connections, First-Generation Initiatives helps students build confidence, find support and navigate their college experience from their first semester through graduation.

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First-Generation Initiatives
firstgen@montclair.edu
973-655-3751
Montclair campus, Student Center, Room 120
students at first gen block party

How We Support First-Generation Students

First-Generation Initiatives is here to help students feel connected, informed and supported throughout their academic journey. Students can explore opportunities for mentorship, scholarships, leadership development and community building while gaining access to tools that support both personal and academic success.

Scholarship Opportunities

Montclair State University partners with Scholarship Universe, a platform that connects students with both internal and external scholarship opportunities in one convenient place. By completing a Scholarship Universe profile, students can be matched with funding opportunities that best fit their background and goals.

Get Scholarship Information

First-Gen Collective Peer Mentorship Program

The First-Gen Collective is a peer mentorship program designed to support incoming first-generation students as they begin their college experience. Through the program, upper-class first-generation students are paired with new first-year students to offer guidance, encouragement and support.

Spots in the program are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. Students are expected to stay engaged throughout the program. If participation requirements are not met, the spot may be offered to another student.

Become a First-Gen Mentor

Mentors help mentees navigate academic expectations, connect with campus resources and build a sense of belonging at Montclair. The program focuses on personal growth, academic success and social support through meaningful peer-to-peer connection.

First-generation students interested in serving as a mentor must meet the following requirements:

  • Identify as a first-generation college student
  • Have earned at least 24 credits
  • Have attended Montclair State University for at least two semesters
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA

Additional details are shared during training, but mentors are expected to:

  • Serve as a volunteer mentor for the full academic year.
  • Meet with assigned mentees in person at least twice per semester, including formal and informal meetings.
  • Complete 3-4 networking hours each semester.
  • Connect with mentees at least twice per month through text, email or social media.

Mentors have the opportunity to:

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Support a student who is beginning their first-generation journey
  • Build new relationships
  • Make a meaningful impact
  • Strengthen their resume
  • Receive first-generation program swag
  • Receive a stipend for each semester served as a mentor

Become a First-Gen Mentee

First-year students who identify as first-generation can apply to be matched with a peer mentor through the First-Gen Collective.

  • Be a current first-generation first-year student
  • Be enrolled full time
  • Demonstrate a commitment to personal and academic growth
  • Maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing

Students selected for the program are expected to participate in:

  • Kickoff event and orientation
  • At least two meetings with their mentor each month, one formal and one informal
  • 3-4 networking opportunities throughout the year
  • 2-3 advancement workshops throughout the year
  • End-of-year celebration

Mentees receive access to:

  • Academic support
  • Program events and activities
  • Career guidance
  • One-on-one peer mentoring
  • Regular check-ins
  • Real-world connections
  • Opportunities beyond the classroom
  • Personal and professional development

We're Here to Support!