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Red, gold, and white honeycomb pattern on a black background

First-Generation Students

  • Student Success and Engagement
  • First-Generation Students

Begin Your Journey

Smiling student in graduation robes looking over her shoulder and holding a sign that reads Proud to be a First Gen Graduate.

At Baker College, we’re passionate about empowering first-generation students! Building a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding for these trailblazers is key to our student-first philosophy.

A first-generation college student at Baker College refers to an individual, both of whose parents or guardians did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

We offer a variety of academic resources designed to help first-generation students thrive on their journey to higher education.

Why First-Generation Student Success Is Essential

Navigating college can be overwhelming, and we recognize that first-generation students often face unique challenges along the way. That’s why your success matters deeply to us—and why we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the journey.

Here’s why this work is so important:

54%
There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S.

2x
First-generation students are applying to college at twice the rate of continuing-generation students.

24%
The first-generation student graduation rate is 24%; the continuing-generation student graduation rate is 59%.

88%
College graduates are 88% more likely to be employed; earn higher wages; and twice as likely to be civically engaged (i.e., volunteering, voting).

FirstGen Forward. “Our Opportunity”, at https://www.firstgenforward.org/our-opportunity (visited August 1, 2025).

Connect with First-Generation Students and Supporters

1stGen Bees is a vibrant, supportive community for first-generation students, focused on empowerment, connection, and success. We offer resources, mentorship, and opportunities that foster belonging, growth, and leadership throughout your college journey.

Join the 1stGen Bees
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Academic Resources

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Academic Advising

Our academic advisors are here to help you plan for academic success and monitor your progress toward graduation.

Meet Your Advising Team

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OneStop

Find answers to all your questions regarding scholarship information, financial aid, registration, transcripts, or career services.

Learn More

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Financial Aid

Explore financial aid opportunities and find information on all of the scholarships and state and federal grants available to you as a Baker College student.

Learn More

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HiveConnect

Connect to a network of resources that support your college journey. Receive important reminders, schedule tutoring and advising appointments, and communicate directly with advisors and faculty.

Learn More

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IT Help

If you’re in need of assistance, our IT department offers one-on-one help and troubleshooting with a wide variety of technological concerns.

Get Help

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Career Advising

Career advisors are standing by to help you develop your career plans and ensure you’re career ready upon graduation.

Build Your Career Plan

Get Involved

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Wellbeing and Support

Uwill Program

As a registered Baker College student, you have access to a special benefit that supports your mental health. Take advantage of FREE unlimited on-demand crisis counseling, mental health counseling, life coaching, and 24/7/365 customer support through Uwill.

Learn More About Uwill

CARE Team

We know that college is hard. Baker College wants to help remove barriers and provide support with whatever you may need. We are here for you, every step of the way.

Visit the CARE Team

Disability Services

Disability Services is committed to providing Baker students with exceptional service and resources that create an equitable academic experience. We deliver services and resources through positive campus collaborations, and by being mindful of equity, inclusion, and advocacy in everything we do.

Visit Disability Services

Personal Care Resources

We know many students are balancing work, family, and other obligations along with their education. We’re here to support you and help you connect with community resources so you can be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

See the Personal Care Resources
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Events
A first-generation student waves as he walks across the stage at Commencement.

Dedicated Scholarships Available

Baker College offers exclusive scholarships for newly enrolled first-generation students. We’re excited to support you as you embark on your higher education journey and achieve your dreams!

See Scholarships

Meet Our First-Generation Faculty and Staff

Many Baker College faculty and staff members are also first-generation graduates. They understand what it is like to be a first-generation college student and can provide empathy, cultural understanding, and guidance.

Meet Our Faculty and Staff
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Information For First-Gen Families

Why send your first-generation student to Baker College? Besides the quality programs and instruction, you can take comfort in knowing that we support first-generation students with a student-first philosophy and small class sizes that help set us apart from other institutions.

Learn More

Explore First-Gen Culture

If you’re a first-generation student, you’re in good company. Learn more about successful first-generation attendees and get connected on social media.

Start Exploring

Being First-Generation at Baker College

Brandy Bennett portrait

“Baker College and The Culinary Institute of Michigan have helped me to unlock my full potential and learn new skills I never thought I would be capable of before as well as meet new lifelong friends and future colleagues.”

—Brandy Bennett,
Class of ’25, Baking and Pastry

Ta'Laiah Hogwood portrait

“Becoming a first-generation college graduate is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope and determination for my family, my daughter, and future generations. It’s not just about earning a degree; it is about breaking barriers and redefining what is possible.”

—Ta’Laiah Hogwood,
Nursing

Share Your First-Generation Pride

Showcase your First-Gen pride by sharing your story to be featured in Baker College’s Beeline newsletter column, “I’m Proud to be First-Gen.”

Share Your Story

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about attending Baker College as a first-generation student, please contact us at [email protected].

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Baker College
Baker College

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. An equal opportunity affirmative action institution. An approved institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning courses may or may not be eligible for college credit. These courses are not eligible for financial aid or Baker College scholarships. Baker College's Higher Learning Commission accreditation does not encompass Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning courses.

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