First-Gentorship
First-Gentorship is UCLA First To Go’s dedicated mentorship program designed to support first-generation undergraduate and graduate students. By empowering students to select their alumni mentors from UCLA ONE this program partners with UCLA Alumni to promote personal growth, academic success, and community-building through meaningful connections and targeted activities.
Our Mission
First-Gentorship provides holistic support for first-generation Bruins navigating their personal and professional journeys. By fostering strong mentor-mentee relationships, the program focuses on:
- Career Exploration
- Career Readiness
- Connection to Community
- Personal Development
- Professional Development
Undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni professionals unite to create a supportive community dedicated to first-gen success.
Get Involved
Become an active part of First-Gentorship and join our vibrant mentoring community. Whether you’re looking to offer guidance or receive support, your involvement helps build connections and opportunities. The best time to apply is in October! Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on opportunities to apply for First Gentorship.
- Become a Mentor
Mentors play a critical role in supporting the next generation of first-gen students.
Expectations:
- Create a UCLA ONE account by the dates indicated in our announcements on our Instagram / Newsletter. Under “Offer Mentorship” check off “Year-Year UCLA Alumni Mentor Program.” If it applies to you, in the “UCLA Education” section, select “First Generation” in the “Communities” dropdown.
- Commit to mentoring your first-gen mentee(s) for the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring).
- Attend mentor training workshops and/or receive mentor support via email from UCLA First To Go and UCLA Alumni.
- Connect with your first-gen mentee(s) throughout the academic year at least once per quarter.
- First To Go and UCLA Alumni will share resources and/or invitations to events with mentors and mentees that have successfully matched throughout the academic year.
Interested alumni are invited to apply to be mentors during Fall Quarter.
- Become a Mentee
If you’re a first-generation undergraduate or graduate student seeking guidance and holistic support, becoming a mentee is a valuable opportunity.
What to expect:
- Create a UCLA ONE account. In the “UCLA Education” section, select “First Generation” in the “Communities” dropdown.
- As a first-generation student, you will have the opportunity to get early access to search for a mentor from among interested alumni & professionals on UCLA ONE in early October!
- You can select your Mentor based on your preferences, major, identity, or interests. NOTE: Your mentor does not have to be first-gen!
- Mentors will review requests & select mentee(s) to be paired with.
- Support in developing a meaningful relationship with your mentor from First To Go & UCLA Alumni.
- Mentees and mentors will contact each other to connect 1-on-1 throughout the academic year.
- First To Go and UCLA Alumni will share resources and/or invitations to events with mentors and mentees that have successfully matched throughout the academic year.
Questions?
Have questions or want to learn more about First-Gentorship? We’re here to help you get started. Reach out to our team for more information, guidance, or assistance with the application process. firsttogo@saonet.ucla.edu