Approximately 1 in 4 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students identify as the first in their families to attend a four-year university. First-generation students often face obstacles in navigating the college experience because they don’t have prior family or community knowledge about the university experience to rely upon. First Generation Nebraska helps level the playing field by connecting first-generation students to mentoring, resources, and opportunities they need to make the most of their college experience.
First-Gen Student Information First-Gen Faculty/Staff Information
Spotlight
Spotlight
First Generation Nebraska Experiential Learning Fund
UNL’s First Generation Nebraska Experiential Learning Fund supports first-gen students’ participation in experiential learning programs, including internships, research, study abroad, conferences, and civic learning and leadership. First-gen students can apply for up to $2,000 for one experience and receive a maximum of $4,000 during their UNL career.
Funds can be used to defray expenses for the following activities (other activities may be considered).
- Travel to a disciplinary or professional conference
- A university-sanctioned education abroad program
- Independent research mentored by a faculty member
- A civic engagement or leadership activity
- An unpaid internship taken for at least 1 university credit
- Equipment and/or materials for creative activities or research experiences
- Costs associated with publishing in scholarly journals
- Transportation funds for a class activity
Eligibility
- Students identify as first-generation (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree)
- Students must be enrolled at UNL and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher during the term in which the funding is used.
- Preference will be given to students with a level of financial need as determined by a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Funds requested for an internship or research must have a documented application process and the opportunity must be secured before funding is disbursed
Note: All funding awards are reviewed by UNL’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to ensure they remain within the student’s cost of attendance allowance.
Application Deadlines
While students can apply for funds at any time, priority will be given to students who apply by the below dates for the term in which the activity will take place or subsequent terms. Funds will not be provided to students who have already completed an activity prior to submission of their request. We encourage students to apply for funding to conferences even if they have not officially received notification of acceptance.
Funding Deadlines
April 8, 2026, for Summer 2026 term or later
July 15, 2026, for Fall 2026 term or later
November 15, 2026, for Spring 2027 term or later
First Generation Nebraska Experiential Learning Fund Application – Collaboration
First-Gen Student Support and Resources
First-Gen Student Organization
First Husker Program
First-Gen Faculty and Staff
Acknowledging first-generation status as part of one's identity might seem a small thing, but it can be critical to students' success, helping them easily identify faculty and staff who can relate to particular challenges they might be facing. First Generation Nebraska invites faculty and staff who were first-generation college students themselves or who wish to serve as advocates for first-generation students to participate..
How can Faculty and Staff Participate?
Sign up for our mailing list and then visit CAST to pick up a First Generation Nebraska Button and office placard. Faculty and staff are encouraged to display the placard on their office doors and wear the FGN button to help first-generation students identify individuals who are receptive to sharing their own experiences.
First-generation Advisory Board
The advisory board — comprised of faculty, staff and students — develops, implements and assesses First Generation Nebraska programs and events. The advisory board meets three times a semester during the academic year and during the summer as needed. The term of service is for two consecutive academic years.
