1st UP Program

Firt Gen Community

What is 1st UP?

1st UP is a program that provides you with multiple layers of support: academic support, social connection, even the financial support if you meet the requirements each semester! It's free to participate, and lunch is provided for free at our meet-ups where you'll take part in community-building and skills-building workshops as well as other fun activities and opportunities to grow your network.

How does the program work?

There are 5 - 6 meetups each semester on designated Tuesdays from 12-12:50pm. To participate in 1st UP, you'll attend those meetups; have a 1-on-1 meeting with your Student Success Coordinator; and go to at least 2 campus events of your choosing. To participate, you cannot have a Tuesday/Thursday class that ends between12 and 1pm; however, you will have time to get to a class that starts at 1pm. More information about completion criteria, grant eligibility, and the grant application process can be found on the 1st UP Events Page.

What are the benefits of participating in 1st UP?

If you attend at least 4 of the 5 meetups, your 1-on-1 meeting with your Student Success Coordinator, and attend 2 campus events of your choosing each semester you'll earn a $400 completion grant! The fall completion grant will be applied to your spring UofL bill, and the spring completion grant will be applied to either the next summer or fall depending on your enrollment.

The financial benefit isn't the only way you'll gain from participation! Benefits of being part of 1st UP include:

  • meetups and community-building opportunities with other first-gen students and peer leaders
  • skills-building workshops like resume and procrastination workshops
  • networking opportunities
  • one-on-one meeting with you success coach to create a personal success plan
  • fun activities
  • ongoing support and connection with other first-gen students and 1st UP program staff
  • You can even count 1st UP as an engaged learning experience toward completion of CARDS EXCEL

How do I sign up?

Students new to UofL in Fall 2024 will not apply to this program until summer.

The application deadlines for the 1st UP program are

  • Fall 2023: Friday, August 25 (Applicants will be notified of a decision by UofL email no later than Friday, September 1.)
  • Spring 2024: Wednesday, January 17 (Applicants will be notified of a decision by UofL email no later than Thursday, January 18.)
  • Fall 2024: If you're new to UofL for summer or fall 2024, you'll be notified and can apply when the application opens in late May / early June.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the program, contact .