First Gen Students

What is a First-Gen Raider?
Being First-Gen means you are a trailblazer, forging a new path to earn your degree. At Shippensburg University, we celebrate your courage, resilience, and dedication to shaping a brighter future for yourself and your family. A First-Gen Raider is someone whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree, but you are taking the next step to achieve that milestone.

This is an incredible achievement, and you should be proud of the legacy you’re building for future generations of Raiders!

First-Gen Raider initiatives aim to:

  • Support your success: Increase retention and graduation rates through academic and personal resources.
  • Build community: Connect students with other First-Gen peers to normalize shared experiences.
  • Empower through mentorship: Pair students with supportive mentors and positive role models.
  • Provide resources: Link students to academic, social, and financial support systems.
  • Foster connections: Create opportunities for networking with campus and community organizations.

At Ship, you’re not just attending college, you’re leading the way as a Raider!

Need help figuring out your career path? Discover our year-by-year career planning guides, designed to support your journey to professional success!

Looking for professional attire? Visit the Raider Ready Professional Dress Closet at the Career Center to find the perfect outfit for your career needs!

Featured Articles

How to Navigate the Job Market as a First-Generation Student

In this empowering episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast, we tackle the often-intimidating world of professional networking for first-generation college students and graduates. We understand that for many, the idea of ‘consulting’ or finding connections within an industry can feel completely foreign, …

By College Recruiter
College Recruiter believes that every student and recent grad deserves a great career.
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How to Ask for a Raise

In this episode, I go over the finer details on how to ask for a raise. These are the exact steps my client used to get a $15K raise this month, even after being in the same job for years. …

Read more

Financial Aid for First-Gen College Students: The New FAFSA, Scholarships, and Q&A

Rise First and Collective Success Network hosted a live webinar featuring financial aid professionals, to delve into discussions about the new FAFSA application, scholarships, and other financial aid topics pertinent to first-gen college students, followed by a Q&A session.

Guest …

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Featured Profiles

Bri Arndt

Expert-Recommended People
  • Recruiting Coordinator Refined Technologies Inc.
Meet Bri

Jerome Austin

Expert-Recommended People
  • Managing Principal Self - Ry2 Solutions
Meet Jerome

Scott Barnhardt

Expert-Recommended People
  • Owner / Founder / Coach The Creative College Journey
Meet Scott

Lisa Cameron

Expert-Recommended People
  • Senior Director of Development The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)
Meet Lisa

Guy Caprio

Expert-Recommended People
  • Staff Therapist Loyola University Chicago
Meet Guy
Meet Leena

Natasha Charles

Expert-Recommended People
  • Founder, CEO, Chief Intuitive Strategist Intuitive Coaching with Natasha Charles
Meet Natasha

Charlene Joy Dela Cruz

Expert-Recommended People
  • User Experience Designer II NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Meet Charlene Joy

Dean Di Simone

Expert-Recommended People
  • Founding Partner Function
Meet Dean

Sonia Dias

Expert-Recommended People
  • Various Volunteer Positions and Advisory Boards Various Nonprofits
Meet Sonia

Nora Durgin

Expert-Recommended People
  • School Psychologist Arlington Public Schools
Meet Nora
Meet Irma

Career Resources

An award winning podcast and the first and #1 show in the world for first-generation scholars and professionals.

Contact & Location

Phone
717-477-1484
Address

Ceddia Union Building (CUB 108)
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257

Career Service Hours

Day of the week
Center Operational Hours Express Hours
Monday 8am - 6pm 2pm - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm 2pm - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm 2pm - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm