UCalgary breaks down barriers for students through First-Generation Scholars Program

Calgary, AB – Stepping up to be the first in your family to go to university takes courage and involves overcoming significant barriers. The University of Calgary is making that step a little easier by opening the doors to financial support and wraparound services for students who are the first generation in their family to enrol in university starting in Fall 2024.

Michael Barraza understands these challenges well. He is currently a second-year natural sciences student who was born in Canada to parents who were refugees from El Salvador. As the first in his family to enrol in university, he had no reference point for pursuing higher education, only his determination to expand his opportunities.

“There’s that sense of achievement that I was the first in my family to really push and strive for something more, which is what they always wanted. That’s why I always had their support. I made my family proud, and I made myself proud. I taught myself that I can do this, and I can push myself enough to take that big leap.”

Michael Barraza, natural sciences student

Through the First-Generation Scholars Program, eligible students will receive $2,500 towards their first year of tuition and have access to a holistic program of services designed to help students navigate their unique university experience. This is a first step. The program is expected to evolve in the coming years. As Canada’s entrepreneurial university, UCalgary strives to lower barriers and increase access to a high-quality university education. It is a pillar of Ahead of Tomorrow, UCalgary’s new strategic plan, which was officially launched on Sept. 16.

“Students from families with no previous university experience face unique uncertainties about investing in higher education. Support can open the door to expanded educational participation across a diverse range of communities, which, in turn, will lead to more vibrancy, prosperity and equity in the broader community. This is a foundational piece of Ahead of Tomorrow, which plots our course as a bold and innovative university that removes barriers to student success so we can all move forward, together.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary

This program is open to students whose parents, guardians or chosen parents have never attended any post-secondary education (including colleges, trades training, apprenticeships, polytechnics or universities, etc.).

Participants must complete the same application process as all UCalgary students and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree program. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, youth in government care and refugees who are the first in their family accessing higher education are all eligible — making it the most-inclusive program of its kind at a Canadian university.

UCalgary’s approach moves beyond just financial aid to include comprehensive supports for first-generation students. Through the First-Generation Scholars Program, students will have access to supports to enable their success, including mentorship opportunities, a first-generation students’ network and dedicated academic advisors. These student-success supports are in place this Fall 2023 to support first-generation students currently studying at UCalgary, with financial supports beginning in Fall 2024. 

The new program aimed at improving affordability and access to UCalgary was announced as part of a celebration of the new Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, which marks the culmination of extensive planning, analysis and community input.

The event was hosted at the Genesis Centre in northeast Calgary, reflecting UCalgary’s focus on community engagement, a cornerstone of the strategic plan. 

“We strongly believe that our university and the larger community in Calgary are partners in progress. We will use this opportunity to celebrate our community partnerships and our shared future. Expanding access to education helps us all.”

Dr. Penny Werthner, interim provost and vice-president (academic)

The Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan came into effect on July 1 and articulates goals, purpose, values and strategic approaches for the university through 2030. The plan will guide UCalgary as it strives to equip students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and staff with the ingenuity to improve the world through terrific teaching, research excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

Media inquiries

Dean Parthenis
Director, Media, Issues and Outreach
403.629.5806
dparthen@ucalgary.ca

Sean Myers
Senior Communications Specialist, Media, Issues and Outreach
403.561.7405
sean.myers2@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of startups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

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