First-Generation College Institute
NOTICE: Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concerns and being committed to the safety of students, faculty and staff, the First-Generation College Institute scheduled for May 29-31st has been cancelled. Please check back with us later this year to apply for our Summer 2021 FGCI program!

Check back later for 2021 details!
Talented, high-achieving and intellectually curious rising high school sophomores who identify as first-generation are invited to apply to participate in the FGCI on Virginia Tech's Blacksburg Virginia campus.
- 2021 details are not available yet, please check back later.
- All FGCI programs are free of cost to students!
- Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the Virginia Tech, Blacksburg campus.
The First-Generation College Institute (FGCI) is a free three-day residential program designed to increase college student diversity, promote student empowerment, build community through service, and help students develop a college and/or career plan. Research confirms that many students from first-generation and lower income families struggle with a difficult transition from high school to college. Our program will provide resources that will enhance the success of first-generation students as they prepare to attend college. Our program will also strengthen inclusion in the local community and encourage volunteerism among first-generation students.
Mission
The mission of First-Generation Student Support is to advance first-generation student success through partnerships that contribute to academic success, leadership development, and through services that build community, increase student engagement and promote retention. First-Generation Student Support creates an environment for first-generation students that welcomes diverse ideas and cultures that promotes lifelong learning, instills values and cultivates a strong academic identity.
Benefits of attending FGCI
- Student engagement with various academic disciplines through hands-on learning and workshops within the context of the first-generation student experience.
- College life experiences of residential living, campus dining, collaborative projects in university classrooms and engagement with Virginia Tech's faculty, staff, and students.
- Daily workshops on (1) navigating and completing the college application process and (2) applying for scholarships and financial aid.
- Students embrace the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by completing a service learning project with university and local partnerships.
- Explore Virginia Tech departments and organizations to build lasting connections and learn about local resources available to them.
- Learn about local resources available to them.
- Engage in fun team building activities in our cultural, recreational, and student centers.

Dates and Deadlines
Application closes: TBD
Notification of acceptance: TBD
Confirm attendance: TBD
Unofficial Transcripts due: TBD

Eligibility
- Must be a rising sophomore in high school
- Must be a first-generation student
- Must have a 2.75 or above grade point average (GPA)
- Must have an interest in attending Virginia Tech
- Must be highly motivated and academically curious

Selection
- FGCI can accommodate 70 students.
- Preference is given to first-generation students.
- Preference is given to students showing interest or aptitude in a current degree granting program offered at Virginia Tech through academic or extracurricular activities.
- Students will be notified of final decisions by e-mail on April 10.

Application Requirements
- Personal information
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Family information
- High school information
- Awards/ Recognitions (if available)
- Extracurricular Activities, jobs or any community involvement.
- PSAT or SAT/ACT scores (if available)
- Academics
- Students will self-report their GPA and the current core classes enrolled in (English, Math, Science, History).
- One short essay
- Essay 1 - Essay Question: This program is for high achieving academically curious first-generation students who are interested in learning more about the college experience. Please indicate why you should be selected for this program. (120 word max)

What to Pack
- Sheets, pillowcase, pillow and blanket (twin bed)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Closed toed shoes or sneakers - some of the spaces we will be entering require shoes with closed toes.
- Rain gear – please bring an umbrella just in case of rain.
- Business attire - 2 sets
- Also, here is a guide on business casual attire from our Career and Professional Development department.
- Casual clothing - 5 sets
- Exercise clothing - we will go to the Recreation Center at least one evening.
- Snacks - please refrain from bringing snacks with any type of nuts.
- Any necessary medications
- Wash cloth and towel (2 sets for each day)
- Toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb/brush, shower-cap, hair products, shower shoes, sunscreen
- Phone chargers - please do not bring laptops/ipads/tablets or other expensive items
- Baseball hat or cap
First-Generation College Institute is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, College Access Collaborative, and First-Generation Student Support.
Questions? Contact firstgen@vt.edu
First-Generation News
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Article ItemTRIO Programs help students stay on course for college , article Date: Nov 12, 2020
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Article ItemBuilding support for first-generation students , article Date: Nov 04, 2020