What is "first-generation-to-college"?

First-generation-to-college, or first-gen, is defined as someone whose parents or legal guardians did not attend a four-year bachelor's degree college/university in the United States. However, the definition of first-gen is personal to each individual, as every family's experiences of higher education vary by context. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than a third of all US college students are first-gen. Navigating the terrain of elite higher education in the United States presents a challenge for first-gen students, who are not always provided sufficient support in their transition and time at US colleges/universities. The FLI Program aims to bridge the gap that exists between students and their families and the hidden curriculum of higher education. 

What is "low income"?

At Colby, students with a household income of $75,000 or less receive full financial aid from the school and are considered "low income," but there are also students above this designated threshold who fit under the umbrella of "limited income." Though there is no official designation as to who is considered limited income, the FLI Program aims to aid as many students and families as possible. As socioeconomic situations are unique to each family, the FLI Program is flexible and open for anyone and everyone who feels as if they may benefit from the program to join and participate in whatever way they feel comfortable doing so. 

FLI Program Fundraising Campaign

In 2022, the FLI Program raised over $150,000 in its first-ever fundraising campaign supported by Colby's Office of Advancement. To aid in fundraising, FLI Mentors Taha Akhtar '22, Felicia Huerta '22, Oscar Garcia '22, and FLI Fellow  Emily Kwen '24 participated in a campaign video in collaboration with videographer Alexandra Morrow talking about their experiences with the program and being FLI at Colby.