First Cats

First Cats

The University of Arizona's first-gen community is represented in every facet of campus life – from classrooms to cultural centers, playing fields to research labs, behind a desk or up on stage – there are over 10,000 Wildcats (students, faculty, and staff) who are proud to be the first in their family to attend college.

 

Connect with First Cats Mentoring

DEFINITION OF A FIRST-GEN COLLEGE STUDENT

There are resources on campus to support First-Generation Student Success.  

 

 

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The First Cats STUDENT Experience

Whether you're a first year student getting used to campus or a senior getting ready to graduate, First Cats is here for every step of your UA journey. We look forward to welcoming you into the First Cats community! 

First Cats Events & Programs

First Cats offers first-generation college students, faculty, and staff opportunities to explore and take pride in their first-generation experience. We host campus-wide events and programs open to all first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and supporters. 

First Cats Mentoring Program

Calling all first-year (freshman) and second-year (sophomore) first-generation college students! First Cats partners with Thrive Mentoring to offer a peer-mentoring program to support you in your transition into college, developing relationships with faculty, staff, and peers, and make connections to the campus community.

Image of a person surrounded by circles representing other people

Faculty & Staff Involvement

Learn more about first-gen students at UArizona and how you can center them in your classes, programs, advising and more. 

Microphone drawing for First Cats Graduation

Share Your First Cats Story

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with others. If you are a first-generation college student or graduate, we would love to hear your unique story. 

Outreach Request

If you would like more information about First Cats or would like to partner with us on a first-gen event, we want to hear from you.

Email us at firstcats@arizona.edu