Skip to content
Diversity at the UW

Tri-Campus Resources

Many outstanding efforts are underway to support and elevate the experiences of first-generation students at the University of Washington. Below are a few highlights from throughout our campuses:

Tri-Campus

  • WA Space Grant provides opportunities for students seeking to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We can assist with career planning and advising and assist students applying for our Summer Undergraduate Research Program. We especially encourage students to apply if they are from communities historically excluded from STEM — students with traditionally marginalized genders, BIPOC, students with disabilities, and students from rural communities.

UW Bothell

  • The Digital Scholars community brings together students, professors, staff, community partners, and UW Bothell alumni to help students develop digital skills and a strong network of supporters.
  • Students are also welcomed into the Bothell community through the First Generation Network, a program supported by Orientation & Transition Programs in Student Affairs.
  • The Research and Creative Projects Office helps undergraduate students find opportunities to apply what they learn in classrooms to dive deeper into a field of their interest. All students are encouraged to participate in this high-impact practice. Doing research or having hands-on experience in creative projects boosts students’ chances for employment or enhances their placement into a robust program in a professional or graduate school.

Seattle Campus

  • Established in 1968, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has a long history of providing access and academic support for thousands of first-generation students on campus and across the state. Especially notable are federally-funded TRIO programs administered through OMA&D such as Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
  • The UW was selected as part of the inaugural national cohort of NAPSA’s First Forward program. The program recognized 80 institutions for their current commitment to first-generation student success and goals to improve the experiences of students in the future.
  • The Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) has been housed in the UW’s Graduate School since 1970. We take pride in focusing on graduate students of color across all disciplines and campuses. We provide historically underrepresented graduate students professional development, community building, and limited fellowships & awards opportunities. Many of the students we serve identify as first-gen.
  • The First-Gen Student Advising Guide is a webpage meant to support students who are first in their family to go to college. If you are a first-generation student, we invite you to use the resources on this page to help you navigate the University, find community, and get helpful advice!
  • Graduate Student Affairs in The Graduate School kicks off its 7th year of programming starting fall 2023. Along with a student advisory board, the initiative offers opportunities for first-gen graduate students to build community, access tailored events and informational resources, and gain leadership skills.

UW Tacoma

  • The First Generation Student Initiatives Office: Through our programs and services we seek to support first-generation students to successfully transition into college life and provide opportunities for the academic and personal success of all our first-gen students on campus.
  • The Office of Student Advocacy and Support provides referral and support services to students, using a case management model. The purpose of this office is to assist students in developing strategies to overcome and address barriers that prevent them from achieving their educational goals.
  • The Center for Equity & Inclusion (CEI) aims to enhance campus education, develop community partnerships, and cultivate our diverse campus community. Current programs like the Real Talk Series, supports the social and academic success of first generation college students by engaging them in critical discussions on current social justice topics, and encouraging them to explore their intersecting identities through the arts.

Tri-Campus Graduate Student Support

  • Graduate Student Affairs in The Graduate School kicks off its 7th year of programming starting fall 2023. Along with a student advisory board, the initiative offers opportunities for first-gen graduate students to build community, access tailored events and informational resources, and gain leadership skills.