First-Gen Lighthouses

By connecting first-gen students with each other and with a supportive faculty or staff member who is a first-gen college graduate, the Lighthouses program helps students feel more confident, connected, and empowered to navigate college life.

If you're a first-gen student looking to build community and get to know someone who’s been in your shoes, we’d love for you to join! Email Amber May at alm6458@psu.edu for more information.

What is it?

• One-year program for first-year, first-generation college students in the College of Agricultural Sciences
• Introduces you to a group of your first-gen classmates
• Connects you with a caring first-gen faculty/staff “Lighthouse”

What can you get out of it?

• Meet new friends and share a free meal together every month
• Feel more grounded and confident navigating college life
• Learn about all the resources Penn State has to offer

What do you need to do?

• Be from a family where neither of your immediate parents/guardians completed a four-year degree
• Enroll in a 0.5-credit course each semester your first year
• Attend all monthly meals with your Lighthouse “pod”
• Keep in touch with your Lighthouse via email every two weeks

Lighthouse Talks

Students and mentors reflect on their experiences with the Lighthouse program. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Emma Steely for capturing these video shorts.