More than one in five USC students is first-generation, which is a student whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
These students bring resilience, determination, and fresh perspectives, yet often face hidden barriers—limited familiarity with college systems, fewer professional networks, and financial and social challenges that can threaten persistence and completion.
As the state’s flagship institution, USC is committed to ensuring students not only enroll, but thrive, graduate, and lead. Central to this mission is the First-Generation Center (FGC), which supports students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
With your support, the First-Generation Center can continue to serve as an impactful centralized hub that equips students with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to succeed. Since first opening their doors in fall 2024, the FGC is on a mission to advance high-impact initiatives. This mission is achieved through:
COMMUNITY | USC offers a faculty-led living-learning community (LLC) serving 151 first-gen student residents, fostering belonging, academic engagement, and early connection to campus resources. |
MENTORSHIP | The First-Gen Mentoring Program pairs students with faculty, staff, and trained peer mentors to provide guidance while building social and navigational capital. |
SUPPORT | Regularly scheduled networking events connect first-gen students with opportunities for post-graduate success in the job market. |
PARTNERSHIP | The FGC collaborates with campus and community partners to connect students to leadership development, internships, and career pathways. |
Gifting to the First-Generation Student Support Fund helps increase student retention and graduation rates, strengthens South Carolina’s future workforce, and uplifts families and communities for generations to come.
 | "Over my past two years as a Gamecock, the First-Gen Center has become my home and my community here at USC. With all the resources they’ve provided me, and the opportunities I’ve been given, and even just the friendly faces I see on a day-to-day basis at the First-Gen Center, I know that I am seen here, and that no matter what I am never truly alone here in Columbia." Gracelyn Public Health Major Graduating in 2028 |
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Learn more about the First-Generation Center at: sc.edu/firstgen.
You an locate us at Maxcy College on the USC Columbia Campus.
