What Is “I’m First”?
“I’m First” launched in Spring 2018 with a mostly online presence. Moving forward I’m First will also include year-long programming celebrating First Generation college student, staff, and faculty stories, community, and accomplishments at Northwestern.
Who's First?
First-generation college students are first in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university. At Northwestern, we celebrate the strengths, assets, and leadership that our first-generation students, faculty, and staff bring to campus
“I’m First” Programming
Stay up to date on all “I’m First” programming by following SES on Instagram @nu_ses!
The annual annual I'm First Celebration was held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Segal Visitors Center.
As part of Student Enrichment Services' I'm First programming, celebrating first- generation college students, staff, and faculty’s stories, community, and accomplishments at Northwestern, we are doing First-Gen Fridays!
Check out the SES Instagram (@nu_ses) on Fridays to meet a First-Generation student, staff, and faculty and learn about their journeys at Northwestern and beyond.
SES is excited to award the I'm First: Trailblazer Award and I'm First: Advocate Award at our I'm First Celebration in the Winter Quarter. The nomination form is now closed.
I’m First: Trailblazer Award
The I’m First: Trailblazer Award honors an first-generation undergraduate student who is diligently working to accomplish their goals. This student demonstrates a commitment to community (in or out of NU) and academic excellence, while also creating opportunities for/inspiring other first-generation students to thrive at Northwestern University. Student must be a first generation college student to qualify for this award.
I’m First: Advocate Award
The I’m First: Advocate Award honors a faculty/staff member who has made significant contributions to the success of first-generation college students through mentorship, pedagogical approach, first-gen focused programming, scholarly research, and/or service to organizations whose mission is directly related to first-generation student success. Faculty/staff does not need to be a first-generation college graduate to qualify for this award.
Interested in connecting with a faculty or staff member who share your first-gen identity? Check out our I'm First faculty, PhD students, and staff directory. First-generation faculty, PhD students, and staff can join the directory by submitting your first-generation story here.