The First-Generation Innovation Fellows Program empowers first-generation students to become campus leaders, researchers, and advocates for student success. Rather than simply participating in programs, Fellows will identify challenges facing first-generation students, develop innovative solutions, and work alongside faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to improve the first-generation student experience at UCA.
Through leadership development, design thinking, research, and advocacy, Fellows will gain professional experience while creating meaningful change that benefits current and future first-generation students.
PROGRAM GOALS
Throughout the fellowship, Fellows will:
- Develop leadership, communication, and professional skills
- Learn research, assessment, design thinking, and problem-solving strategies
- Identify barriers that impact first-generation student success
- Design and implement innovative programs, resources, and campus initiatives
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners
- Present recommendations that improve institutional policies and practices
- Serve as ambassadors and advocates for the FirstGen@UCA community
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a First-Generation Innovation Fellow, students will serve through:
Leadership & Advocacy
- Representing the FirstGen@UCA Innovative Fellows Program at campus events
- Serving as a peer leader and advocate for first-generation student success
- Helping create a welcoming and supportive first-generation community
Research & Innovation
- Conducting campus audits to identify barriers affecting first-generation students
- Researching best practices and analyzing student needs
- Participating in design-thinking activities to develop innovative solutions
- Assisting in collecting and analyzing program data
- Presenting recommendations to campus stakeholders
Program Development
- Designing and implementing at least one major program or initiative each semester
- Developing at least one new resource for first-generation students
- Collaborating with campus departments to implement Fellow-designed initiatives
- Assisting with FirstGen@UCA events and outreach activities
Professional Development
- Participating in leadership and professional development workshops
- Building relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, and community mentors
- Strengthening presentation, collaboration, and project management skills
FELLOWSHIP EXPECTATIONS
To remain in good standing, Fellows are expected to:
- Attend all required orientation and training sessions
- Maintain one scheduled office hour each week in the FirstGen@UCA office
- Meet one-on-one with an assigned faculty or staff mentor once each month
- Attend bi-weekly cohort meetings throughout the academic year
- Actively participate in planning and implementing Fellow projects
- Complete reflection activities and program assessments
- Present project outcomes during the end-of-year Fellows Showcase
TIME COMMITMENT
Approximately 3-4 hours per week, including:
- Weekly office hour
- Bi-weekly cohort meetings
- Monthly mentor meeting
- Program planning
- Campus events
- Independent project work
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must:
- Be a currently enrolled UCA student (undergraduate or graduate)
- Meet UCA’s definition of a first-generation college student
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing (not currently on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension)
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving the first-generation student experience
- Be able to commit to to the full fellowship year (September 2026-September 2027)
Preferred qualifications include:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Interest in student success, leadership, advocacy, research, or public service
- Creativity, initiative, and willingness to solve complex problems
BENEFITS OF BECOMING A FELLOW
First-Generation Innovation Fellows will:
- Receive $500 each semester upon successful completion of program expectations
- Build an impressive leadership experience for graduate school and employment
- Receive mentorship from faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders
- Develop skills in:
- Leadership
- Research
- Design Thinking
- Data Analysis
- Public Speaking
- Project Management
- Policy Advocacy
- Network with campus leaders and community partners
- Create a lasting impact on future generations of first-generation students at UCA
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
Successful Fellows are:
- Passionate about helping others succeed
- Curious and willing to ask questions
- Creative problem-solvers
- Dependable and organized
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
- Open to learning from diverse perspectives
- Committed to making UCA a more supportive place for first-generation students
