The First-Generation College Institute is a state-wide, summer residential program at Georgia Tech designed to identify, engage, and prepare rising 9th through 12th graders who are future first-generation college students in making the successful transition to college while increasing their exposure to STEM enrichment. The program debuted in 2022 as one-day events in Atlanta and Savannah and became a residential program in 2023.   

The residential program includes opportunities for participants to:

  • Learn about financial aid and scholarships.
  • Navigate college life.
  • Participate in hands-on STEM learning sessions.
  • Connect with Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff.
  • Engage in team and community building activities.

This initiative aligns with the Institute's strategic focus goal to expand access to underserved populations, which includes first-generation students. The First-Generation College Institute is hosted by the Expanded Learning Programs in the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC).

Questions: Email summerpeaks@gatech.edu.

Program Goals

  • Uniting first-generation high school students around the shared identity of being a first-generation college student.
  • Preparing and empowering first-generation and limited income 9th-12th students for the transition from high school to college.
  • Connecting first-generation and limited income students with programs, resources, and people that will support their success at Georgia Tech.
  • Engaging students through high-quality academic and hands-on STEM enrichment learning.

In the News

Students working on computer at First Generation College Institute

  

Student working on STEM project.