At IU Columbus, nearly one-third of our students are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. These first-generation students bring incredible determination, resilience, and a drive to transform not only their own futures but the futures of their families and communities.
More Info
IU Columbus is proud to champion the success of our first-generation students through programs and recognition that celebrate their achievements and provide vital support:
	- Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation students, officially launched its IU Columbus chapter in March 2025. With 16 charter members, Tri-Alpha honors academic excellence and community among those blazing a new path in higher education.
 
	- The Groups Scholars Program offers a free summer course and introduction to college life for qualified first-generation students. This IU-wide initiative began at IU Columbus in summer 2025 and continues to provide academic and personal support throughout participants’ college journeys.
 
	- As part of the First-Gen Forward Network, IU Columbus joins nearly 500 institutions worldwide in advancing first-generation student success.
 
First-generation students enrich our campus with their perseverance and perspective. But many still face financial, academic, and emotional barriers that can make the path to a degree more challenging.
Your gift helps ensure that every first-generation student at IU Columbus has access to the resources, mentorship, and recognition they deserve. Together, we can empower these trailblazers to reach their dreams and redefine what’s possible for generations to come.
Support first-generation students today, because being the first shouldn’t mean going it alone.