Helping First-Generation students stay the course.
Being the first person in a family to go to college is a great accomplishment that also comes with immense pressure for students. The decision not to follow in a parent’s footsteps takes persistence as students often feel like they are starting from scratch or beginning to question their place in the world. The choice to go to college uncovers an even greater responsibility to take on something bigger than themselves. For most First-Gen students, it can be difficult to navigate the college application process without someone who has been through the experience. And it becomes even more difficult to stay the course and to keep on going.
Stepping up to support ambition and drive.
Many of Saint Leo’s First-Gen students work one or more jobs, manage family obligations, and tackle a unique set of challenges, including financial resources, that can often get in the way of their ambition and drive. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, we were able to establish the First-Gen Student Scholarship Fund in 2022 as a way for alumni to step up and support student scholarships for the growing number of first-generation students at Saint Leo. Today, we provide scholarship support to nine First-Gen students. Your generosity will help make it possible for First-Gen students to experience the success they deserve at Saint Leo and prepare themselves for a life full of promise.
"We're celebrating First-Gen students at Saint Leo."
For alumni and friends of Saint Leo, Day for Saint Leo is a way to support First-Gen Student Scholarships and celebrate our First-Gen students who believe in a university that is helping all those who dream of greater things, gain the competence and courage to be more.