By Sarah Sell , University Communications and Marketing
USF offers a variety of scholarships and programs aimed at providing financial support and academic resources to first-generation and military-connected students. The university currently serves over 1,900 student veterans, many of whom are also first-generation college students.
During the month of November, USF’s three campuses hold several events to raise awareness of the challenges and successes of first-generation students. The events coincide with National First-Generation Celebration Day and Veteran’s Day.
While the definition of a first-generation student may vary nationally, at USF, they are students whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree in the United States. USF enrollment data shows that more than 4,000 currently enrolled undergraduate students are first-generation. According to Tony Delgado, USF assistant dean of academic inclusion, the number is likely higher since that information is collected voluntarily via the FAFSA application.
"As a former first-generation student, I know the transformative power of higher education in uplifting families and creating generational change," Delgado said. “The celebrations honor the resilience, determination and achievements of our first-gen Bulls while recognizing their role in creating brighter futures for themselves and their communities."
In July 2024, USF was welcomed into the FirstGen Forward Network in recognition of its strong commitment to supporting first-generation student success. The network connects higher education leaders from across the country to exchange data, share best practices and expand efforts to support and uplift first-generation students.
Jacob Gresham, a first-generation and miltary-connected student at USF St. Petersburg.
Jacob Gresham attends USF St, Petersburg with support from the University of South Florida’s Office of Veteran Success, which helps veterans transition smoothly from military service to campus life through benefits and career counseling.
Gresham was in the U.S. Navy from 2015-2019. He was stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego, CA, where he worked as a machinist's mate in the nuclear power plant.
“Most of the time, I thought of how much I was behind compared to individuals my age,” said Gresham, a business analytics and information systems major at USF St. Petersburg. “It took my wife to show me the importance of the work I was truly doing. I have served the country, which helped shape me into who I have become.”
Niky Roblera is a first-generation student who finds comfort in knowing there are others like her at USF.
Nicky Roblero, a first-generation student at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
“We discuss the positive and negative factors of being a first-generation college student and how it has impacted us personally,” said Roblero, a biology major at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
The students compare their lifestyles, ethnic backgrounds and learn from each other’s cultural backgrounds.
“Like many other immigrant families, my family came to America for the various opportunities this country offers," she said. "My family has given me emotional support and encouraged me to continue no matter what."