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First-Generation, Lower-Income, and Undocumented/DACA Students

What is FGLI?

Pronounced "fig-lee," the acronym FGLI refers to first-generation and/or lower-income students. At Northwestern, FGLI also includes undocumented/DACA students.

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.

Lower-income students are usually those eligible for Pell Grants. But the term “lower income” can be tricky because income is not the only determining factor for the lower-income student experience at Northwestern.

Undocumented/DACA students include individuals living in the US without US citizenship and those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is a two-year program that allows for work authorization with a Social Security number, license, and state ID. DACA eligibility is not open to all undocumented students.

Why and how does SES support FGLI students?

Student Enrichment Services (SES) is an office dedicated to enhancing the FGLI student experience at Northwestern. We want to celebrate your strengths and leadership potential and help you navigate all that may come with being FGLI. 

Our dedicated staff can help connect you to FGLI communities and resources in our office and across campus and help make your transition to Northwestern successful. No question is too small or too big. From academic goal-setting to learning how to set up a budget, we are equipped to help you navigate your first year and beyond. We can't wait to hear from you!

 

Getting involved in FGLI programs and communities 

SES’s website, programs, workshops, and other events inform students about the range of resources they can use and the many connections they can make to support their success at Northwestern.