First-Generation Student Services

Scholarship Universe is a great resource to learn about First-Generation scholarships you may be eligible for. Students can login to complete the student profile and search and apply for external and internal scholarship opportunities. 

Freshmen scholars at the University of Kentucky are required to live on campus in a pre-designated residence hall where the First-Generation Living Learning Community (LLC) has been placed. All scholars are a member of this LLC, where they can interact with peers who come from similar backgrounds. The LLC helps build a sense of community that has always been a cornerstone of Appalachian culture. Students who participate in LLCs fare better than other students on a number of measures, including retention, GPA, and graduation rates.

First-Generation advisors work with college advisors to support the success of first-year students. The program advisor monitors the transition into college life, academic progress, early alerts, and midterm grade reports. ​Students can make an appointment with an advisor through myUK or by emailing firstgeneration@uky.edu.

The FGSO is designed to support, educate, and promote the needs of students who are the first in their families to go to college and first- generation Americans.

First-generation students have the opportunity to connect with our office and peers by attending our robust offering of programs. Throughout the academic year, we host programs for hiking, movies, workshops, guest speakers, and community events. This includes signature events such as First-Generation Week and First-Generation Pinning Ceremony. 

All faculty and staff are invited to join our Advocate program. Our Advocates are a network of faculty and staff from across campus who are first-generation themselves or would like to identify as a first-generation supporoter. To join the Faculty and Staff Advocates, request to join our Teams. If faculty/staff have questions about supporting students please email firstgeneration@uky.edu.