First-generation students

First-generation programming

First-generation students are the first students in their families to attend university

First generation mentorship

First generation mentors are available to support first generation students at all stages of their university career.

• Peer mentors: Incoming first-generation students are paired with upper-year students in their area of study. Peer mentors help first-gen students navigate the transition to university and access helpful resources.
   
• Faculty mentors: First-generation students are paired with faculty mentors, many of whom were also the first in their families to go to university. Faculty mentors help first-gen students succeed in their chosen fields of study, coach them through grant applications and upper-year course selection, and eventually prepare for the transition to grad school or the workforce.
   
• Alumni mentors: First-generation students are paired with alumni mentors, who help students prepare for a transition into their chosen careers. Alumni mentors provide guidance on career options and pathways to achieving career goals.

Interested in participating? Email firstgen@mta.ca.

First-gen workshops

Offered throughout the year, these workshops and student panels explore tips to help you navigate life at university.

• Financial literacy: Financial literacy workshops address the unique needs of first-generation and low-income students, including scholarship application, budgeting, credit and debt, money mindsets, and student loan repayment.
   
• Study skills: Study skills workshops help students develop habits that fit their personal study goals. Covering areas like time management, exam prep, academic integrity, and note-taking, these workshops help students succeed at university.
   
• University 101: General workshops help students make the most of their time at MtA: how to maintain a healthy work/life balance, academic advising, and accessing supports are some of the common workshops that help first generation students take advantage of all the opportunities available at MtA.

Student club

The First-Gen Den is a social group run by first-gen students for first-gen students. Along with providing social support they also provide academic, social, and educational events.

Students can join the First-Gen Den during the MASU Clubs and Societies Fair at the start of the academic year. You can also follow them on Instagram @firstgenden.

Dress to Impress: Professional Clothing for Students

Visit the Dress to Impress closet in the Chapel basement whenever the Chapel is open. Take what you need — clothing items do not need to be returned, but if you no longer need the items, you can drop them in any one of our donation bins in the Student Centre.

If you need a size or item that is not available, simply fill out the online form and we will order it for you.

First-generation and low-income conference travel bursary

Travel bursaries of up to $700 are available to first-generation and low-income students for conferences and out-of-town job interviews. Funds are limited; we encourage students to apply early. Application will be available during the academic year.

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Other student supports