FIRST@Smeal

FIRST@Smeal is a program for all first-generation college students in the Smeal College of Business. (Penn State defines first-generation college students as any student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a baccalaureate degree.) The program provides support, leadership opportunities, and a specifically assigned academic adviser.

Objectives

  • Support first-gen students through the transition into college and through the rest of their time in Smeal.
  • Help first-gen students navigate the higher education system.
  • Provide a community that they can continue to build, change and influence.

Goals

  • Increase the number of first-gen students who successfully enter a Smeal major.
  • Increase the sense of belonging that first-gen students feel within Smeal.
  • Provide unique networking opportunities for first-gen students with Smeal alumni.
  • Provide events centered on improving their skills, academics, and professional lives.
  • Provide leadership opportunities through the FIRST@Smeal Leadership Team.

Summer 2025 Events

FIRST@Smeal Summer Welcome and Pizza Party: Tuesday, July 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in room 217 Business Building

Open to all incoming first-generation Smeal students starting their Penn State journey in the summer semester! A relaxed pizza party with students, faculty and staff. Get to know your classmates, as well as the Smeal faculty and staff you’ll be working with for the next four years. No registration required.

Q&A Sessions:
Worried about your first semester? Need some advice from students who have been in your shoes? Join us for a Q&A zoom session where current students in the FIRST@Smeal Leadership Council will answer all of your questions and give you some tips they’ve learned along the way. We are also hosting a special session just for parents and families who would like to learn about ways they can support their first-gen student.
Registration required.

Sessions for students:
Monday, August 4th from 7:00-8:00pm – register here.
Thursday, August 7th from 11:00am-12:00pm - register here.

How to Best Support Your First-Gen Student (session for parents/family members):
Wednesday, August 13th from 7:00-8:00pm – register here.


FIRST@Smeal Fall Welcome and Pizza Party: Sunday, Aug 26, 5:00-7:30 p.m. in room 217 Business Building

Open to all incoming first-generation Smeal students starting their Penn State journey in the summer or fall semester! A relaxed pizza party with students, faculty and staff. Get to know your classmates, as well as the Smeal faculty and staff you’ll be working with for the next four years. No registration required.

For additional details, please contact Kelly Swigert at kjs380@psu.edu.