Success First is a multi-year program designed to help first-generation college students be successful through one-on-one mentoring, valuable workshops, group outings, lunch chats, and an opportunity to receive financial assistance for books and supplies. The goal is to help first-generation students develop a sense of community with one another as well as a support system throughout campus.
A first-generation student at Western New England University is a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) did not obtain a bachelor's degree/complete a 4-year college or university.
The program provides an opportunity for students to:
We are committed to developing and gearing our workshops to topics and questions that are salient for our first-generation students here at Western New England University. Our program staff, as well as the faculty/staff mentors, are here to provide supplemental information for students during their time at Western New England!
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"The Success First program has helped me establish the goals and connections on campus that I felt I needed to be successful."
"This program was a fantastic experience and the outings provided me with an opportunity to meet people and experience things that I normally would not. It helped me understand many of the smaller aspects of college, such as a degree audit and finals exam preparation, that I would not really have thought of. The mentoring aspect was especially helpful because it allowed me to connect with an individual who has really gone through what I am experiencing to some degree. My mentor also had connections on campus which was especially helpful to me to think about other opportunities on campus in the future."
"Definitely a big help for finding my way freshman year."
"Very helpful and great environment!"
Sophia Rios-Bojito
Director of University Advising
sophia.rios@wne.edu
Jeanne "JP" Powers
Executive Director of the Student Hub
jeanne.powers@wne.edu
Bridget Kennedy
Information Literacy Librarian
bridget.kennedy@wne.edu
Kolu Sharpe
Director of Cultural Education and Inclusion
kolu.sharpe@wne.edu
WNE celebrates the parents, guardians, and family members who have helped their first-generation student attend college. You feel pride for your student, but may also feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the new information. Linked below are some great resources and feel free to reach out to any of the Success First program facilitators for additional support.
If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please fill out the form below to request information.
Sophia Rios-Bojito
Director of University Advising
Location: CC 221
413-796-2181
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