About Us

The First-Generation Student Alliance (FGSA) at UC San Diego is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community for students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. We recognize the unique challenges that first-generation students often face—from navigating unfamiliar academic systems to balancing cultural, familial, and educational expectations—and we aim to provide a space where students can connect, share their experiences, and find resources tailored to their needs.

At FGSA, we believe that being a first-generation college student is not just an identity but a source of strength and pride. We strive to celebrate this identity while helping students overcome the barriers they may encounter in their academic, professional, and personal journeys. Through community-building, mentorship, advocacy, and leadership opportunities, FGSA seeks to uplift first-generation voices and ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive at UC San Diego.

Mission

Our mission is to empower first-generation college students at UC San Diego by creating a welcoming community that fosters connection, belonging, and pride in the first-generation identity. We aim to provide the tools, resources, and networks necessary for students to succeed academically, develop professionally, and grow personally.

Through meaningful programs, collaborative partnerships, and advocacy, we work to address the unique needs and challenges faced by first-generation students. We are committed to raising awareness of the first-generation experience across campus, building alliances with other organizations and departments, and promoting a culture of inclusion and equity that benefits the entire university community.

FGSA strives to equip students not only to navigate college but also to lead, inspire, and create lasting change—both within the university and beyond.

What does "first-generation" mean?

First-generation is an identity, and a quite complex one at that. In its most simple form, being first-generation means you are the first in your family to do something. In higher education it's often used to refer to first-generation college students or first-generation international students, those of whom often experience the most challenges in adjusting to college life. However, you can also be first-generation in your major, field, academia, etc. - there are plenty of other first-generation identities which don't often get talked about. We'd like to highlight the following question from our FAQ:

Q: How do I know I am a first-generation student?

A: UCSD defines first-generation students as those with with neither parent having a four-year college degree. However, this definition doesn't tell the full story; you can also be first-gen in the international sense or even other senses! "First-Generation" can be a complex identity, and generally speaking, if you are doing or pursuing something that noone of your family has done before, then that makes you first-generation.

That answer might not completely satisfy you or answer all of your questions. That's okay! It's a very broad question, and we encourage you to reflect more on what it means to be first-gen, because chances are, you are likely a first-generation student in some capacity.

Here's what being first-gen means to some of us:

"Being first gen means accomplishing what was once impossible for my parents who didn't have the opportunity to pursue higher education and turning a dream into a reality."

- Lylian Garcia, Co-President

"Being first-gen to me means being able to share my story of how I got to where I am today. It's serving as representation and encouraging others so that they can be the first too."

- Shanell Rincon, Co-Social Chair

"To me being a first-generation college student means being blessed with opportunity to represent my family and community in new spaces, such as a college institution."

- America Armenta, Academic Chair

"Being first-gen means I'm carving my own path, taking on challenges my family didn't face, but also honoring their sacrifices by working hard to create a better future."

- Sebastian Lomeli, Co-Outreach Chair

Core Values

We strive to maintain and instill the following set of core values within our community:

Community: We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where first-generation students can connect with peers, mentors, and allies who understand their experiences.
Empowerment: We believe in empowering students to embrace their first-generation identity, develop leadership skills, and pursue their goals with confidence.
Equity and Advocacy: We advocate for equitable access to opportunities and resources, working to address systemic barriers that first-generation students may face.
Collaboration: We seek to build alliances across campus and beyond, collaborating with other organizations, departments, and leaders to create a more inclusive and supportive university community.
Celebration of Identity: We celebrate the resilience, achievements, and diverse experiences of first-generation students, recognizing their contributions as essential to the richness of the campus community.

Join Us

Whether you’re seeking mentorship, resources, leadership opportunities, or simply a place to belong, FGSA welcomes you. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected first-generation community at UC San Diego.