Being the first in your family to attend college is something to be proud of — you’re paving the way for future generations! This page will help you understand what it means to be a first-generation student and connect you resources that will support your journey.

Am I a First-Generation Student? 

You're considered a first-generation college student if neither of your parents or guardians earned a bachelor’s degree (a four-year college degree). Here's a simple way to determine your status: 

You are first-generation if: 

  • Your parents/guardians did not attend college.
  • Your parents/guardians attended college but did not complete a four-year degree.
  • You are the first in your immediate family to pursue a college degree. 

You're in the right place! 50% of NHCC students are first-generation.

First-Gen Blog

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Good to Know

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TRIO at NHCC

As a first-gen student, you have access to TRIO. Ask any TRIO student and they'll tell you it's a great program. 

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Student Life

Find out how you can get involved, explore your interests, and build your network. 

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Is Community College a Good Choice?

This short video includes first-gen students talking about why community college is a smart choice. 

Support Services for First-Gen Students

TRIO Student Support Services offers unique, specialized, and individual academic support for first-gen, income-eligible, and/or students with disabilities to help students succeed. Through TRIO, students gain the skills to help them navigate college and reach their goals.  

  • One-on-one personalized advising
  • Tutoring and study skills
  • FAFSA and financial aid help
  • Transfer and career planning 

Learn more about TRIO.

Every NHCC student is eligible for scholarships, which range from $500-$5,000. Some scholarships and grants are exclusively available to first-generation students. Identifying as such can open doors to financial support you might not otherwise know about. 

Learn more about scholarships. 

Academic advisors are here to help you complete your degree and plan for the future. 

All students have an assigned advisor based on their major.  Your advisor is able to assist you with course planning, transfer planning, finding resources and answering any questions you may have.  

The earlier you meet with us, the better we can assist you with planning for the future.  

Learn more about Academic Advising.  

NHCC values every student and is committed to providing equal access to college for all students. One way NHCC works to ensure equal access to education is through Access Services, which provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Learn more about Access Services. 

The Care Center is your one-stop shop for nonacademic support. We offer Basic Needs Support, Mental Health Counseling, and More!

Learn more about counseling, basic needs support, the food cupboard, and more at the Care Center. 

Career Services at NHCC provides expert guidance, skill-building experiences, and direct connections to our local workforce and transfer universities.

Connect with Career Services for internships, job search support and preparation, career exploration, and more. 

Tutoring at NHCC is staffed by a team of professional, faculty, and peer tutors who are committed to student success. Individual appointments can be made for up to an hour and on a recurring basis. Our tutors can assist you in a variety of subject areas.

Visit Tutoring to learn more. 

Visit the Library to learn how about resources and services that can help you achieve your academic goals. 

As an NHCC student, you have access to an array of technology resources and support. 

Visit the Technology Resources page for information on accessing Wi-Fi on campus, using D2L-Brightspace, student software, connecting with the IT Help Desk, and much more. 

A Peer Support group for Community College students. The purpose of this support group is to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for first-generation college students to share experiences, build community, and access peer and institutional support.

Space is limited. Sign up here. 

Contact Felicia Jallah: Felicia.Jallah@nhcc.edu

Justice Fisher: Justice.Fisher@nhcc.edu

The DEI Office leads campus-wide efforts to create a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds. 
Services include: 

  • Inclusive events and workshops
  • Equity-centered advising and programming
  • Identity-based student support 

Visit DEI to learn more.  

First-Gen Student & Grad Perspectives

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student smiling in a hallway wearing a hat
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Questions? 

If you have questions, email FirstGen@nhcc.edu and someone on the First-Gen Team will respond. 

You can also reach out to the first generation employees below if you have specific questions. 

First Generation Employees at NHCC

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