First Generation Student Support

 

MCLA is proud to support First-Generation (Firstgen) students! As the first in your family to attend a four-year college, you’re embarking on a bold and exciting journey—and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. From dedicated scholarships and mentoring opportunities to a strong network of supportive faculty, staff, and peers, MCLA offers a vibrant community committed to your success. Whether you're looking for academic support, leadership development, or a sense of belonging, you’ll find it here. Welcome to a campus where being Firstgen is celebrated!

play video A MCLA first generation student smiling at commencement.

Scholarships

MCLA offers several scholarships specifically for first-generation students! The application opens annually in March. More information on MCLA Scholarships

  • Deborah Foss Psychology Department Research Award
  • Don Quinn Kelley Lift Ev’ry Voice Scholarship
  • Ducharme Family Scholarship
  • The MCLA Alumni Association Scholarship
  • Yvonne Leoneiso Memorial Scholarship
  • Mitchell L West Opportunity Scholarship
  • Linda & Stephen Crowe Endowed Scholarship

The Firstgen Committee

The Firstgen Committee is a group of faculty, staff, and students who meet regularly to talk about ways to support students. Committee members include:

  • Amanda Beckwith, Head Womens Volleyball Coach & SWA
  • Christine Condaris, PhD, Professor of Music  
  • Connor Wentrick, Assistant Director of New Student Programs and Firstgen Initiatives
  • Jeannette Smith, PhD, Vice President of Student Affairs
  • Justina Trova, Associate Director of Admission
  • Lynette Bond, MBA, MEd, Dean for DGCE
  • Lynn White Cloud, MA, Executive Director for Student Persistence
  • Matthew VanHeynigen, MPA, Government Relations Officer
  • Ruby Vega, PhD, Assistant Professor for Psychology
  • Sara Steele, PhD, Associate Professor for Psychology
  • Student Group

Events

We are here for you! MCLA has multiple events each semester to support Firstgen students. Visit our events calendar for up-to-date information!

Fall Events

  • Ice Cream Social for all new Firstgen Students in August
  • Family Weekend Social for Firstgen Trailblazer Team Members in October
  • National Firstgen Day Celebration and Skill Building Workshops in November

Spring Events

  • TRiO Day in February
  • Meet & Greet with Firstgen Staff and Faculty in March
  • Registration Day in April

TRiO 

Student Support Services is a federally-funded TRIO program that provides opportunities for academic development, assists scholars in meeting college requirements, and serves to motivate scholars towards the successful completion of their post-secondary education. TRIO Student Support Services

 

ConnorCall Connor!

Connor Wentrick is our Assistant Director for New Student Programs and Firstgen Initiatives! He is here to support YOU with information, connections, and resources. Connor may be reached at 413-662-5121 or email connor.wentrick@mcla.edu.

The Blue & Gold Collective

Blue & Gold Collective logoAnytime you see The Blue & Gold Collective logo, know that you are not alone! All events are open to students, and events with this logo are especially helpful for Firstgen students. Faculty and Staff offices that have this logo on their door means they are also first-generation, or the first in their families to attend college. Stop in and say hello! You are part of a community of people excited to welcome and support you. We are so glad you are here!

Am I a FirstGen student?

MCLA considers a student to be first-generation (Firstgen) in the following way: An incoming undergraduate student whose parents, guardians, or primary caregivers did not complete a college degree at a four-year institution in the United States of America. For more information on firstgen status, please contact Connor Wentrick at 413-662-5121 or email connor.wentrick@mcla.edu.

  • Your parents have taken college classes in the past, but did not complete a four-year degree program.  
  • You have a parent who completed a four-year degree, and you have no significant contact with that person: you do not live with them, you do not regularly communicate with them, you would not consider them to not be an active part of your life
  • Your parents are currently taking college classes and have not yet completed a four-year degree.
  • Your parents completed a four-year degree at an institution outside of the US. This does not include a US military base, or a  college based in another country.
  • You grew up in the foster system.  
  • You completed an associate degree at a community college.
    You completed a certificate or program at a trade school.
    You may or may not also have siblings who attended college and/or completed a degree.
    Firstgen students are able to access services and support, no matter their income level.