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First-Gen News

The First-Generation Center has been making headlines since first opening our doors at Maxcy College in the fall of 2024!

Epic Games partners with Anne Frank Center in pilot program for Holocaust education

March 17, 2025 - The small group of students in USC’s first generation living and learning community (LLC) who gathered in the warm reception room at the Anne Frank Center on Feb. 21 didn’t know quite what they were getting into. All these students knew was that Epic Games had partnered with the Anne Frank Center to...

Ep. 145: Voices of Student Success: Putting Mental Health Counselors Where Students Are

March 5, 2025 - Hear from Casey Fox, associate director of integrated services from the University of South Carolina, who leads the university’s integrated mental health program...

First-Gen Networking Dinners: Meaningful Connections Over a Meal

February 7, 2025 - Networking is key to career success, but it can be hard to know where to start. First-Gen Networking Dinners provide a relaxed space to connect with professionals, mentors, and...

USC Launches First-Gen Student Advisory Board

February 6, 2025 - USC’s First-Generation Center has launched the First-Generation Student Advisory Board (FG SAB) to amplify first-gen student voices and strengthen support on campus. Formed in December...

Success Program Launch: A One-Stop Shop for First-Gen Excellence

February 3, 2025 - A new initiative at the University of South Carolina unifies assistance for students who are the first in their families to attend college to guide them through...

First Things First: Tailored and targeted support provides a strong foundation for first-generation students

January 9, 2025 - As a first-gen student, Lexi experienced many challenges, but despite these hurdles, she became an active leader by playing a role in the development of the First-Generation Center at the University of South Carolina...

New First-Gen Module Empowers USC Faculty and Staff to Support First-Generation Students

November 13, 2024 - The FGC launched the First-Gen Module, “Supporting First-Generation College Students: Best Practices for Engaging Faculty & Staff." Created by First-Gen Forward...

2024 First-Generation College Celebration Week Recap

November 12, 2024 - First-Generation College Celebration Week at USC was a momentous occasion, highlighted by the honor of receiving a proclamation from Governor McMaster, formally recognizing First-Generation College Celebration Day across the state...

First-Generation Center on Good Morning Gamecocks

November 8, 2024 - First-Generation Center appears on Good Morning Gamecocks to celebrate First-Generation College Celebration week and the official day, recognized statewide and nationally, on November 8!

Greeting's to USC's First-Generation Students

October 31, 2024 - As the University of South Carolina prepares to celebrate First-Generation Celebration Week in November, I want to send my best wishes and encouragement to you – one first-generation student to another!

Faces of First-Gen

October 31, 2024 - As the university celebrated First-Gen College Celebration Week, we sat down with first-generation students to talk about their experiences at USC and the people and opportunities that have shaped their successes.

Stephen Thompson chosen as inaugural faculty director for First-Generation Center Living and Learning Community

June 12, 2024 - Thompson is eager to work more closely with the students living in his community this coming fall. He sees himself as a supportive and encouraging liaison...

USC is building a remarkable future for students

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LaNaé Budden takes helm of First-Generation Center

March 22, 2024 - More than 30,000 students call the Columbia campus home, while bringing their own background to the college experience--and 1 in 5 identifies as first-generation...

USC | Episode 21 (video segment): New center will support first-generation students

March 14, 2024 - We speak with Provost Donna Arnett, about a new initiative to better serve USC’s first-generation students, who make up one-fifth of undergraduates at the university...

Maxcy College to become first-generation Living & Learning Community in fall 2024

February 26, 2024 - USC's residence hall Maxcy is set to become a Living & Learning Community and resource center for first-generation college students this fall, establishing a supportive community...

USC announces new designation, initiatives to support first-gen students

January 31, 2024 - USC has committed to provide more support for its first-generation students through a strengthened relationship with the national Center for First-Generation Student Success.

Bridging the Gaps: Initiatives redefine future of first-gen support

January 22, 2024 - USC is committing to providing more comprehensive support, including a First-Generation Center launching in August 2024, a living and learning community for first-gen students, and an expanding partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators...

Expanding first-generation student success through partnership with NASPA

January 22, 2024 - USC has joined the NASPA First Scholars program, which will involve working alongside NASPA to identify and implement evidence-based changes to our existing processes and policies.

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