Resource materials and promotional items are displayed at The Center’s information table during CU Boulder’s First-Generation Student Kickoff event on Aug. 27, 2026. (Photo courtesy of First-Generation Student Enrichment’s Instagram; photographer unknown)
CU Boulder expands resources for nearly 5,000 first-generation students
As the number of first-generation students at CU Boulder approaches 5,000, the university is expanding programs aimed at helping them navigate the challenges of higher education.
From academic advising to community-building initiatives, these resources are designed to support students who often enter college without the guidance of family members who have gone through the process before.
That experience was familiar to Alexa Tovar. When she arrived at CU Boulder as a first-generation student, she had to figure out class registration, networking opportunities and campus resources largely on her own.
“It was hard setting up classes, picking a major, and getting involved in college; that kind of made me scared to take that leap,” Tovar said.
“The hardest part of starting college without a parent or family member who had gone through the process before was having someone to lean on or ask questions about their experiences,” Tovar said.
Many learn the unwritten rules of higher education on their own while balancing coursework, jobs and family responsibilities. Although first-generation students bring determination and resilience to campus, they often face trials that students from college-educated families may never encounter.
“It was hard setting up classes, picking a major, and getting involved in college that kind of made me scared to take that leap,” said Tovar.
According to CU Boulder’s First-Generation Student Enrichment program, which launched on Oct. 1, first-generation college students made up 15.3% of the university’s student population in 2025. The program aims to provide resources, support, community and engagement opportunities for these students.
Tovar said that navigating college meant learning processes that many students take for granted. Programs like Pathways helped her understand class registration, what college life would look like, and how to build professional connections on campus.
Tovar said the program also introduced her to mentors and peers who helped her feel more confident as she adjusted to CU Boulder.
“The person that has helped me the most during my time at CU Boulder is Dave Martinez, CMDI Ambassador, and the Pathways program because it helped me get a glimpse of college life, class registration, and helped me network with the right people I needed in my circle to give me the confidence that I am on the right path,” she said.
Doan Luu graduated from CU Boulder in 2022, calling it “a big accomplishment.”
“My parents are immigrants from Vietnam,” Luu said. “I feel successful as I got a great job when I graduated, hoping it made my parents feel proud that all their hard work has paid off.”
First–gen programs focus on advising, mentorship, scholarships and academic success to help students build connections and develop the skills needed to navigate college life. University staff members work to ensure students know where to find resources and how to access opportunities that can contribute to their success.
In addition, CU Boulder reaches out to first-generation students at the start of the semester through email, sharing information about available resources and support services. Advisors may also connect students with these resources when they identify themselves as first-generation.
Martinez, a program manager for summer programming and inclusive excellence within the CMDI program, said, “Pathways is a good program to start with as a first–gen student because it builds community. Students get to know each other and are able to rely on each other as they navigate campus. Getting to know their instructors and start networking in the first year is very important.”
As CU Boulder continues expanding support for first-generation students, programs like Pathways aim to ensure students do not have to navigate college alone.
For Tovar, having mentors, advisors and peers to rely on provided the guidance she once lacked and helped her feel confident that she was on the right path.
“First-generation students make a difference. They bring a unique perspective,” Martinez said. “They are able to navigate challenges that other students don’t need to worry about.”
