First to FINish
Simmons University is committed to supporting first-generation students. First to FINish is our first-generation student support program.
Are You a First-Generation Student?
If your parents or guardians have not received a four-year degree from the a US institution, then you will be considered a first-generation student at Simmons.
Interested in Joining First to FINish?
First to FINish hosts events to support first-generation students and build up the community. If you’re interested in being on the email list for these events, or if you have any questions throughout the year, please fill out this form.
Simmons is a First-Gen Forward Institution
On March 3, 2020, Simmons University received First-Gen Forward designation by the Center for First-generation Student Success.
First-Generation College Student Facts
- 26% of adults with parents who did not obtain a bachelor’s degree completed at least a bachelor’s program (Pew Research Center, 2021).
- The median household income for individuals with a parent who obtained a bachelor’s degree is $135,800, which is $36,200 more than adults with no parent with a bachelor’s degree (Pew Research Center, 2021).
- Median wealth for households with a parent who obtained a bachelor’s degree is $92,500 more than households with a parent who did not earn a bachelor’s degree (Pew Research Center, 2021).
Resources for First-Generation College Students
The Writing Center
The Writing Center, located in the Center for Student Success, fosters academic excellence by providing resources and support that meet the needs of both graduate and undergraduate students. Writing center tutors help students from any program with all aspects of writing, including brainstorming, organizing ideas, and citing sources. Tutors focus on improving your writing skills, not fixing errors or proofreading your work. For a tutoring session, please schedule an appointment.
The Counseling Center
The Counseling Center offers in-person and tele-health counseling for current undergraduate students during office hours. 24-hour support is available to all students through the Student Assistance Program.
Simmons University Library
Explore support services offered by the Simmons Library: Navigating Simmons Guide! Access course materials, meet with a librarian, and get support during your academic career.
REEF Support Center
At Simmons, the REEF Support Center acts as a support hub for undergraduate, graduate, and online students. REEF refers to Resilience, Efficacy, and Empowerment through Foundational support services.
Office of Undergraduate Advising
We partner with faculty advisors, academic departments and other Simmons support staff to encourage academic and personal development of all students.
Office of Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is committed to reducing barriers and enabling the full participation of students in our programs and activities. We provide academic and clinical accommodations to undergraduate and graduate students with documented accessibility needs.
Division of Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity
The Division of Student Engagement, Success, and Diversity is dedicated to empowering students to engage in transformative and meaningful experiences that foster community, career readiness, self-efficacy, and a sense of purpose.
Office of Student Financial Services
Student Financial Services is here to assist students and families with managing the cost of higher education and questions about financing your education at Simmons.
First-Generation Students and Alums in the News
Feeding the Revolution Through Baking and Activism
Corrie Locke-Hardy '20MA combines her love of baking with social activism with her cookbook, The Revolution Will Be Well Fed.
Merging a Scholarly Stance with Lived Experience
Africana Studies and Political Science double major Reham Zeroual ’24 discusses her engagement with Student Senate, her favorite courses and professors, as well as her experience as a first-generation college student.
Nathan Brewer ’10MSW ’18PhD on Protecting College Students
Nathan Brewer ’10MSW ’18PhD is Director of the Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (SARP) at Boston University (BU). After receiving his Master’s in Social Work from Simmons, he returned to the University to pursue his PhD in Social Work alongside his clinical practice. We spoke to Brewer about his experience in the program, and his current work at Boston University.
“Taking up Space” with Coding, Advocacy, and Community
Computer Science major Adriana Lizeth (“Liz”) Campuzano Martinez ’24 shares a bit about all of the ways she was involved on campus — from hackathons to being a Resident Assistant to hosting a radio show. She also shares what it was like for her as a first-generation international student.
Discovering an Empowering Atmosphere, Supportive Mentors, and Leadership Opportunities at Simmons
Neurobiology major Debora Edouard ’24 discusses her favorite moments at Simmons, her research, and her unique experience as a first-generation college student.
Inspired to Expand a Summer Research Project into an Independent Study
Biology major Leila Aydibi ’24 discusses getting involved on campus, participating in a research project, being a first-generation student, and some of her favorite Simmons courses.
Reflecting on Community Service, Friendship, and Fun at Simmons
First-generation student Gia Elie ’24 has engaged in community service in the Boston area as part of the Alpha Kappa sorority. She has also been involved with the Black Student Organization and has completed two internships. She counts the friendships she has made at Simmons as one of her most transformative experiences.
First-generation Student Launches Career in Nonprofit Accounting
Accounting major Zuany Fernanda Sandoval ’25 recently received a job offer from the accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. She spoke with us about her internship experience, her passion for business, and the importance of mentorship and community.