IU Columbus First-Generation Student Initiatives Fund

At IU Columbus, many of our students—nearly one-third—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.

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At IU Columbus, many of our students—nearly one-third—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.

Additional Info

First-generation students enrich our campus with their perseverance and perspective; however many still face financial, academic, and emotional barriers that can make the path to a degree more challenging. 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. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation students, which officially launched its IU Columbus chapter in March 2025. Tri-Alpha honors academic excellence and community among those blazing a new path in higher education.
  • The Groups Scholars Program, which offers a free summer course and introduction to college life for qualified first-generation students. This IU-wide initiative began at IU Columbus in the summer of 2025 and continues to provide academic and personal support throughout participants’ college journeys.
  • The First-Gen Forward Network, a consortium of nearly 500 institutions worldwide dedicated to advancing first-generation student success. With IU Columbus being selected as a member of this network, faculty and staff can connect with colleagues at peer institutions who are also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students. 

Please make a gift to support first-generation students today—because being the first shouldn’t mean going it alone. Together, we can empower these trailblazers to reach their dreams and redefine what’s possible for generations to come.

Important Disclosures

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.

In July 2024, IUPUC became Indiana University Columbus and is no longer affiliated with Purdue University. The IU Foundation is in the process of updating all fund titles and fund descriptions to reflect this change. Effective July 2024, even though IUPUC may be mentioned on this page, gifts to this fund will be administered by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc., on behalf of Indiana University Columbus.