First-Generation Students at SF

A first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree. If you are a first-generation college student at Santa Fe college, then you are in good company.

About one in every three students here at Santa Fe College self-identify as first-generation.

Being the first in your family to go to college is something that should make you extremely proud! Even more, there are many resources available to support first-generation college students at Santa Fe College. The college can better inform you of opportunities and invite you to participate if you self-identify as a first-generation college student.

• College Achievement Program: A summer program that facilitate a smooth transition from high school to college by helping first-generation participants develop the skills they will need to succeed in any degree track.
• First in My Family Admissions Events: Provides first-generation college students and their families with a comprehensive introduction to Santa Fe College.
• First-Gen Day at Santa Fe is an annual celebration of First-Generation students, faculty, and staff. Make plans to attend.
• Student Support Services: Helps qualified first-generation college students succeed by assisting them in navigating the various aspects of college life. SSS scholars have a designated academic coach who can help with academic inquiries, applying for financial aid, free tutoring, personal mentoring, transfer assistance, or connecting with valuable college and community resources.
• Ways to Pay: There are many grants and scholarships that are designated to fund first-generation college students. One is the first-generation Matching Grant. Complete the FAFSA and the SF scholarship applications to get all the funding that you can.

For an overview of support services at SF, please see the SF Student Resources Guide.

A considerable number of faculty and staff at Santa Fe college were like you in being the first in their family to attend college. They self-identify now because they want you to know that you belong here at SF, that there is support for you, and that like them, you can achieve your goals. Below is a list of first-generation faculty and staff.

While completing the SF Admissions application or the FAFSA, you were asked if either of your parents completed a 4-year degree, and the college used that information to identify you as a first-generation college student. If you need to update your answer to identify as first-generation, you may do so by taking the following steps:

1. Log in to eSantaFe
2. Select Documents
3. Select Public Documents
4. Select Admissions Documents
5. Select Parent or Guardian Education Declaration through eSantaFe and input the education level of your parent(s)/guardian(s) and seek to have your First-Generation College status updated.

The faculty and staff see you as a courageous and goal-oriented person who is setting out in waters that have previously been unchartered by your family. We are here to offer you the support, guidance, and skills you need to be successful.

Graduation is an incredibly special day for all first-generation college students. The college recognizes your success with a single stranded honor cord to be worn over your gown. Graduates who have designated themselves as first-gen students will be contacted about receiving their cords by their academic coaches in the SSS program or by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

The First-Generation Student Advisory Group is a group of first-generation students who 1) meet monthly with college officials, 2) represent the voice of first-generation students at Santa Fe College, 3) Share experiences, ideas, and advice 4) Promote college services and activities to other first-gen students and 5) Participate in first-generation programming, activities, and campus events.

The members of the 2022-2023 first-generation Student Advisory Group include:

• Jamaal R Baptiste
• Carmelos V Brown
• Nancy Raphael
• Keoni Rosa
• Wrenley Smith
• Diego Stecca
• Eric Williams

Staff members offering direct support to the Student Advisory Group include:

• Ismelda Alvarez
• Thomas Beckwith
• Naima Brown
• Joseph Haughton
• Stephanie Holt
• Joseph Jester
• Emily Launiere
• Shanna Ratliff

Check your SF email! That is how you will hear about events and activities for first-generation college students at Santa Fe College. For specific information, please contact Joseph Jester at 352-395-5648 or joseph.jester@sfcollege.edu.

SF has been designated a first-gen forward institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. This designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Please complete the FirstGenerationForm and we will add your name to the list.

Santa Fe College has invested in a great deal of resources for professional development. You can access an awesomely thorough annotated bibliography (created Diana Matthews and Leana Fitzgerald). This document provides a tremendous overview of the recent literature on understanding and supporting first gen students.Click here for the pdf and other resources. Additionally, all members of the college can access the Journal of First-Generation Student Success. Moreover, the Student Affairs Professional Development Calendar includes a few seminars on first-generation students each year. To host a special presentation on first-generation students in your department, please contact Andrea Mender at andrea.mender@sfcollege.edu, Roxanna Ruiz at roxanna.ruiz@sfcollege.edu or Keyna Wintjen at keyna.wintjen@sfcollege.edu. Finally, there are several webinars sponsored by NASPA that SF faculty and staff can access. Please contact naima.brown@sfcollege.edu for more information about professional development opportunities on first-generation students.