First-Generation Mentorship

Support and advising for students who are the first generation in their families to attend university

Request a Mentor
Students network seated around a table.

Building a First-Generation Community

Post-secondary studies are an exciting and extraordinary milestone. For students who don't have parents or family members who have previously attended university, having guidance from someone who has been there before can be especially helpful.

First-Generation Mentorship provides students access to a community of peers, as well as contextualized academic advising, resources, and events. These supports can not only aid in their transition to university life, but also help them succeed throughout their post-secondary journey.

Decorative

How can I get involved?

Become a Mentor

Mentors make a significant impact on the lives of their fellow students by offering guidance and sharing their experiences with first year students.

Learn more about the role of a Mentor. 

Apply to become a Mentor.

Become a Mentee

The transition to university is both exciting and stressful. By connecting with a mentor, you have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of an upper year student in your program.

Learn more about the role of a Mentee.

Sign up to become a Mentee.

Become a Circle Facilitator

Circle Facilitators play a key role in supporting your fellow Peer Mentors and Mentees in your Mentorship Circle to build a strong, connected community within the program. 

Priority for these roles will be given to returning mentors, please select this role as part of your mentor application. 

Learn more about the role of a Circle Facilitator. 

Apply to become a Circle Facilitator.

Become a Student Engagement Partner

Student Engagement Partners make a real impact on your First-Gen community by planning and delivering program events, co-facilitate discussions, and develop materials that bring students together. 

Priority for these roles will be given to returning mentors, please select this role as part of your mentor application. 

Learn more about the role of a Student Engagement Partner. 

Apply to become a Student Engagement Partner.

First-Generation Scholars Program Mentorship Excellence Award

The Mentorship Excellence Award recognizes mentors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, empathy, reflexivity, community-building, and ambassadorship during their participation in the FirstGeneration Scholars Program. 

How to Apply

All the details about the eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what to include in your application can be found in the Award Description Document. 

When to Apply

The application will be open from March 1 - May 15, 2026. You can nominate yourself or be nominated by a mentee. The application can be submitted in one of three ways:

  • Submit the Reflection Assignment
  • Submit a written statement to firstgenprograms@ucalgary.ca
  • Submit a video or audio recording to firstgenprograms@ucalgary.ca 

Award Information Session

Looking for support with writing your scholarship application? Attend one of the Information Sessions to learn about what to include in your application. Register for one of the workshops on elevate in the First-Generation Students Program Events calendar. Dates and times listed below.

Mentorship Events

Wondering what it looks like to be involved in the First-Generation community? Check out our gallery!

Two mentors sit at check in table.
Students pose around easels and paintings
Students pose in front of sparkly back drop.
Students work on a craft together.
Students work together on a group activity.
Students chat around table.
Panel Discussion
Table discussion.
Table discussion.
Table Discussion
Student participates in craft activity.
Students participate in word game.
Students pose next to giant block tower.
Students work on postcard activity.
Collaborative Art project
Student shares a story to group at table.
Students collaborate on Art Project
Staff and students participate in networking discussion.
Student uses button machine.
Panelists participate in discussion.
Students pose with awards in front of festive backdrop
Group of mentors and mentees posed for a photo.
Group of students.
Networking Discussion
Networking Discussion

Mentors support and navigate

I decided to participate in the mentorship program because I wanted a guiding hand to navigate my first year. One memorable interaction was when my mentors patiently listened to my concerns and provided practical advice, instantly easing my worries. To anyone considering becoming a mentee or mentor, I'd say go for it - it was one of the best decisions I made. Having someone supportive to talk to and help navigate this new environment made all the difference.

Imandi Attanayake, Law and Society Mentee

News and articles

UCalgary’s First-Generation Students Program changes lives

Article

UCalgary’s First-Generation Students Program changes lives

Mentorship and community program support students as they navigate the challenges of higher education and embrace new opportunities

First-gen kickoff recap

Article

First-gen kickoff recap

Celebrating first-generation students

From mentee to mentor: First-Generation Students pay it forward at UCalgary

Article

From mentee to mentor: First-Generation Students pay it forward at UCalgary

How the First-Generation Students Program forms students into leaders and mentors

First in line at university a new generation of excellence

Article

First in line at university a new generation of excellence

Launch of First-Generation Students program brings together participants across UCalgary

UCalgary celebrates inaugural First-Generation Networking Night

Article

UCalgary celebrates inaugural First-Generation Networking Night

Students in First-in-Family Program find community and connection with peers, campus community and hear from 1st-generation groundbreakers

The Power of Determination

Article

The Power of Determination

Four steps to help make your goals a reality.

Mentors build connection

I decided to participate in the program as I wanted to find a meaningful way to get involved on campus. The First-in-Family program exceeded my expectations at the amount of effort, love and care that goes into fostering a sense of community. I have found such a strong sense of belonging upon mentoring for this program, and have found so much fulfillment in my mentor-mentee relationship. I am grateful for everything this program has taught me about leadership and confidence, and I will carry it with me in all my future pursuits!

Anonymous Mentor, Health Sciences

Questions?

Do you have questions about our First-Generation programming? Contact us for more support. 

Tram Nguyen

Academic Development Specialist, 

Equity-deserving Students

tram.nguyen4@ucalgary.ca

Contact Us

First Generation Student Programs

 

firstgenprograms@ucalgary.ca

First-Generation Programs

Academic support, exploratory advising, wellbeing resources, and more!

Learn more about First-Generation Student Programs