Skip to Main Content

For information about COVID-19 policies and restrictions on campus, please visit the UCLA COVID-19 resources website.

UCLA First to Go

The UC strides to send a clear message to all first-generation college students: "You belong here and you are capable of achieving at the highest levels".

The University of California (UC) serves large numbers of first-generation college students: Nearly half of in-state students who began their studies on UC campuses in fall 2016 are the first-generation in their families to attend college. The First-Generation Faculty Initiative aims to elevate the visibility of UC faculty and academic leaders who were themselves first-generation college students. The main purpose of the initiative is to foster a sense of belonging that can boost retention and success rates among UC's first-generation students.

Are you a UCLA faculty member and identify as first-generation college? Join the faculty campaign by filling out this brief form!

ftg-ucla-facultyVideo

UCLA faculty who were first-generation college grads aim to encourage, inspire. They share their stories with new students who are first-gen.

UCLA is helping first-generation students feel connectedVideo

UCLA faculty who were first in their families to go to college help others like them overcome fear, self-doubt.

First-generation college student Denise Peralta, class of 2016, has decided to purse a Ph.D. on her path to being a math teacher, thanks to UCLA professor Gerardo Ramirez, who was the first in his family to earn a degree.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself there is a lot you are bringing to the table.

— Professor Gerardo Ramirez

Over 180 UCLA professors have self identified as being the first in their family to graduate from a 4-year institution.

Check out a few of those faculty below!

Annette Stanton, Psych-Health, Psych-Clin/ Psychr & Biobehav Sci
Annette Stanton, Psych-Health, Psych-Clin/ Psychr & Biobehav Sci
Thao Nguyen, Medicine-Cardio
Thao Nguyen, Medicine-Cardio
Otto Santa Ana, Chicana and Chicano Studies
Leisy Abrego, Chicana and Chicano Studies
Leisy Abrego, Chicana and Chicano Studies
Lorrie Frasure-Yokley, Political Science
Lorrie Frasure-Yokley, Political Science
Janice Reiff, History/Statistics
Anthony Friscia, Integrative Biology & Physiology
Anthony Friscia, Integrative Biology & Physiology
Ryan Ellingson, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Ryan Ellingson, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Paul Kroskrity, Anthropology
Dana Watson, Writing Programs
Dana Watson, Writing Programs
David MacFadyen, Comparative Literature
Laurent Pilon, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Writing Programs Professors Tara Prescott (left) and Dana Cairns Watson (right)
Gerardo Ramirez, Psych-Development, Psych-Cog
Tonya Kane, Ecology & Evolution Biology
Amy Richlin, Classics

Annual First-Gen Welcome Soiree

Pictured: A few first-gen faculty at the 2nd Annual First-Gen Welcome Soiree