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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! 

Summer Academic Workshop

The Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) is a three-week summer program designed to equip incoming students with the tools to thrive at Northwestern. Students will earn credit for one (1) English 100 writing course designed by the Cook Family Writing Program to strengthen their writing skills; participate in SES-curated cultural and social cocurricular workshops; and take part in a workshop series designed by School of Communication faculty in which digital media and storytelling offer opportunities to explore identity, promote personal development, and build community.

SAW is an all-costs-covered program—including housing, meals, the writing course, afternoon workshops, and weekend social opportunities. The program will arrange and pay for domestic air fare or train fare for students who live more than a three-hour drive (about 150 miles) from campus.

FGLI students are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by Friday, June 12. See the SAW website for more details. 

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.