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