First Generation
Harvard Alumni
Making Harvard a better place for first-generation students through mentoring, advocacy, and the power of a shared experience.
About FGHA
First Generation Harvard Alumni (FGHA) is a Harvard Alumni Association Shared Interest Group dedicated to the empowerment of first-generation college students. “First-generation” means representing the first generation in your family to attend a four-year university — a distinction shared by nearly one in six Harvard College students.
For these students, life at Harvard presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. FGHA exists to bridge that gap: connecting current first-gen students with alumni who understand their experience, providing mentorship in navigating academic life, career planning, and the social complexities of being the first in their family at an elite institution.
What began as one alumnus's desire to improve the experience has grown into a vibrant community with over 100 mentors serving 130+ incoming freshmen each year, supplemented by career advising, speaker series, and emergency financial support.
Leadership
Key Milestones
I founded FGHA because I wanted to do something to make it better for current students so they would feel that they too ‘owned’ Harvard. A lot of first-generation alumni felt invisible, confused, and very alone when they were undergrads. The mentorship program has enabled us to go back and alleviate that feeling for current students and, in the process, help alumni feel better about Harvard.
Programs & Initiatives
From one-on-one mentorship to emergency financial aid, FGHA provides comprehensive support for first-generation students throughout their Harvard journey and beyond.
Flagship Mentorship Program
Matches alumni mentors with current first-generation college students for one-on-one support across all aspects of student life. Serves over 100 incoming first-years each year, with mentors devoting 2 hours per month virtually or in person.
Speaker Series
An insightful speaker series dedicated to navigating the modern professional landscape, bringing accomplished first-gen alumni back to share their journeys and advice.
Career Advising
In partnership with the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), FGHA pilots the Firsthand Advisors platform, connecting students and alumni based on shared interests, identity, and goals.
Alumni–Student Engagement
On-campus brunch events where alumni offer counsel and participate in panel discussions about maximizing the college experience. Recent events have drawn enthusiastic attendance from both students and alumni.
Financial Relief Initiatives
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FGHA distributed $500 relief grants to over 100 first-generation, low-income undergraduates. The board launched a GoFundMe that raised $65,000 in just 11 days.
Fundraising & Community
Ongoing fundraising efforts and branded merchandise support the first-gen community at Harvard. Every donation helps sustain mentorship, events, and emergency assistance programs.
How the Mentorship Program Works
Alumni Apply
Harvard alumni who were first-generation students volunteer and apply to serve as mentors through the FGHA application process.
Students Are Matched
Each fall, incoming first-generation freshmen are paired with alumni mentors based on interests, background, and career goals.
Ongoing Connection
Mentors devote 2 hours per month — virtually or in person — providing guidance on academics, career planning, and student life.
Get Involved
Whether you're a first-generation Harvard alumnus looking to give back, or a current student seeking support, FGHA welcomes you to join the community.