First generation students are those whose parent(s) have not earned a four-year degree in the United States, students who have experienced the foster care system or identify as an emancipated youth at the start of their bachelor degree. If you are one of the first to attend college in your family, you have reason to be proud!
Now that you are here, we want to make sure you can make the most of your experience at Arizona State University. Career and Professional Development Services is here to provide resources and opportunities available to you as a Sun Devil, especially when it comes to out of classroom experiences like research, internships, experiential learning, and student clubs and organizations.
Ford First-Gen Career Jumpstart
The Ford First-Gen Career Jumpstart is a partnership between ASU Career Services and Ford Motor Company to provide first-generation college students opportunities to connect with professionals, resources, and knowledge that will propel them further into their career exploration journey. The event is hosted at the ASU West campus and seeks to create opportunities for the following:
- Build a network with ASU West alumni, students, staff, faculty, and employers with an emphasis on mentorship, career support, and career opportunities through uniquely curated experiences through the program.
- Gain career core competencies and career navigation skills through Career development activities hosted by professionals.
- Be connected to professional career development resources that students can utilize beyond the program.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, August 14, 2023 from 5-7p.m. – Mentorship & Experience Building: Ford First-Gen Career Jumpstart Session 1.
Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 10-12p.m. – Career Navigation and Preparation: Ford First-Gen Career Jumpstart Session 2 (ASU Family Weekend).
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 4-6p.m. – Etiquette Dinner and Employer Networking: Ford First-Gen Career Jumpstart Session 3.
For any questions, contact:
Martine Garcia, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives, Career Services – martine.garcia@asu.edu
Dakota Webber, Assistant Director, Career Services at ASU West Campus – dakota.webber@asu.edu

Resources at ASU
Individualized support to help you accomplish your academic and career goals.
Tips for First-Generation students and Game Changers
Check out these tips for guidance from the Student Success Center and information on Game Changers, success coaching designed for first-generation college students.
Beyond serving as role models to Arizona youth, SPARKS members are provided with multiple networking and professional development resources to prepare them for success as students and young professionals.

College Success & Career Exploration
RiseFirst
A committed team of first-generation students and professionals working…to develop a comprehensive online platform that empowers first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students and professionals.
I’m First
“I’m First! was created in 2013 to provide students who lack a family history of higher education with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college.

Internships, Fellowships, and Leadership Development Opportunities
Adelante Fellows
Ten-month fellowship for next generation leaders in Arizona. Adelante will focus on exposing emerging leaders to what it means to be an advocate, how policies are formed, how the education system works and the role politics play in influencing the system.
The First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship Program
Paid summer program for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college and who intend to pursue careers in social justice.
Institute for Study Abroad: First-Generation Scholarship
Designed to give first-generation college students a chance to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying abroad.
Immigrants Rising: Pre-Law Bootcamp
Immigrants Rising’s Pre-Law Bootcamp is a four-day program designed to provide undocumented young people interested in applying to law school with extra support navigating the process and a community of other pre-law students and legal professionals.
Ascend: Rise First’s Career and Leadership Accelerator
Virtual 10-week program designed to foster and advance the creative, academic, and social empowerment of first generation, low income (FGLI) college-undergraduate students.

Job/Career Search Sites
In addition to using Handshake, check out the sites below as you search for your next journey.
College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent graduate deserves a great part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job.
Getting Hired
Explore companies committed to providing bias-free job opportunities.