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I'm First

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!

  • Join us in celebrating being First on social media!
    • Students visit our Instagram to participate 
      • Participants will be entered in a raffle for the chance to win Canada Goose winter gift sets.
    • Staff/faculty visit here
  • I’m First Game N1ght 
    • Join us in the first event of our annual I’m First Programming, celebrating our First-Gen community! There will be small bites, games, community activities, and NEW swag items. 
      • Where: Norris Game Room
      • Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
      • Time: 4:30 – 6 PM
  • “Create an I’m First Button”

The annual I'm First Celebration will be held on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 from 6:30 - 8 PM at the Guild Lounge. 

 

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 will open November 2nd, 2025, and close December 5th, 2025, at 11:59 PM

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.