About

In fact, over 17% of Harvard students are first generation-college students1 (including Harvard’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William Fitzsimmons). Those who have been first before you have created resources and networks to support you at Harvard and beyond.

The Admissions and Financial Aid Office’s Harvard First Generation Program (HFGP) focuses on directing college awareness to future first-generation college students. Our HFGP coordinators will provide support and information as you begin to navigate the college application process. Contact us with any questions about admissions, financial aid, or first-gen life at Harvard. We look forward to meeting you!

HFGP Coordinators

We consider you a first-generation college student —or “first-gen” for short— if you will be in the first generation of your immediate family to graduate from a four-year college or the equivalent.

Student Group: HFGP

  • Ana Class of '25

    Hi there! My name is Ana, and I am a junior in Leverett House studying Sociology. I was raised in a border city in Mexico and then moved to South Texas, where I lived for the last ten years.

    Ana, HFGP Coordinator
  • Raymond Class of '25

    Hey everyone! My name is Raymond, and I’m a junior at Harvard College studying Neuroscience on the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track. I live in Currier House—objectively the best house at the College!

    Photo of Raymond Zheng
  • Kathleen Class of '24

    Hello! My name is Kathleen, and I’m a senior concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology on the pre-med track. I’m currently living in Mather House (the best house!), but growing up I lived in both the beautiful states of Montana and Texas

    Kathleen, HFGP Coordinator
  • Emily Class of '24

    Howdy y’all! My name is Emily, and I’m a senior studying Sociology and Ethnicity, Migration, and Rights.

    Emily, HFGP Coordinator

Contact

Do you have a question about first-generation student resources? Fill out this form to contact a current Harvard College student. Our coordinators are here to help answer questions about being the first in your family to graduate college, and will be in touch with you as soon as possible. You can also join our mailing list to request more information about Harvard College.

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Resources

Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) While first-generation students come from a variety of financial backgrounds, this financial aid initiative has increased the number of students from lower income backgrounds and simultaneously added to the number of first-generation students at Harvard. And HFAI supports students not only through generous financial aid but also through special programs like the Student Events Fund, the Winter Coat Fund, and community events like the popular HFAI dinners.

Harvard Primus is a student organization that seeks to ease the transition to college, to build a strong and supportive community, and to provide a voice for first-gen students.

First Generation Harvard Alumni is a Harvard Alumni Association shared interest group dedicated to mentoring, advocating for, and providing networking connections to first-generation Harvard students and alumni.

Other offices across campus, such as the Academic Resource Center and the Office of Diversity Education and Support, provide a variety of academic resources, community programming, and social events for the first-gen Harvard community.