As a First-Gen Forward Institution, we host an annual celebration in honor of first-generation trailblazers during the week of November 8th. In the past, we hosted a week-long worth of consecutive programming on events such as an etiquette dinner, educational workshops, etc. 

In November 2024, FGLI Student Support launched our first full-day conference to educate, empower, and celebrate first-generation trailblazers. 

Learn more about and RSVP to the Trailblazers Conference in November.

Every year, FGLI Student Support hosts a Graduation Reception to commemorate the many achievements of the graduating first-generation community at Cornell. All graduating undergraduate and graduate students are invited to a free reception with professional catering, photo booths, live photo booths, a raffle, and many more fun activities for graduates to enjoy. Additionally, we give each first-gen graduating student a gift and a first-gen honor cord!

In Spring 2025, we launched our Graduation Events where in addition to the Reception, we will have more graduating-related events throughout April and May!

We offer several workshops each semester focused on FGLI student needs, i.e., filing taxes, career planning, study skills, living off-campus, etc. Through the FGLI workshops, developed in collaboration with on- and off-campus partners, we educate students on maintaining financial sustainability, food security, stable housing, and overall wellness.

Faculty/Staff are invited to partner with us to lead and facilitate any relevant workshop of interest! Past and current collaborative partners include Cornell Libraries, Catholic Charities of Tompkins County, Cornell Dining, Cornell Career Services, and more.

For any interest in facilitating a FGLI workshop, please contact us at fgliempowerment@cornell.edu 

The Kessler Scholars Program at Cornell University provides four years of support to exceptional Cornell students who are among the first in their families to attend college and are low-income. Please visit our section on The Kessler Scholars Program to learn more about this signature program.

The Peer Navigator Program is housed at Cornell University’s FGLI Student Support. These student leaders support FGLI Student Support’s mission to promote identity exploration, community, advocacy, and empowerment for all students who identify with the FGLI student experience. Peer Navigators aim to provide peer-to-peer education and comprehensive navigation of on- and off-campus resources. Resources include but are not limited to basic needs, emotional well-being, scholarship/grant aid, and other resources encompassing transformative student experiences. They will research and promote resources through our official Instagram and Campus Groups Newsletter and refer them to their peers using empathetic and culturally-informed interpersonal skills.

Click here to learn more about the Peer Navigator Program. Open positions will be posted on Workday now. For questions and more information, please contact us at fgliempowerment@cornell.edu.

Please visit our Undocumented/DACA Student Support page for signature programs that specifically support our students with undocumented status or who have DACA.