First Generation

The ASCC is excited to assist WSU’s First Generation Students succeed academically and in their careers!

Welcome to the ASCC First Generation page. We recognize the challenges you face as a first-generation college student. Through the resources provided, you can proactively address concerns such as navigating college culture, improving study skills, accessing academic support, managing financial constraints, and finding a healthy balance between your academic and personal responsibilities. We also want to provide the opportunity and resources to make informed decisions about your future career. Remember, you can overcome these challenges, and with the right support and resources, you can thrive in the present and the future.

Please consider the resources on this page or make an appointment with us to address your concerns, work through challenges, and strengthen your application materials.

  • Academic Concerns

    Gaining Knowledge of Study Skills and Time Management:

    ASCC Academic Success Coaching

    ASCC individualized coaching sessions, available to all undergraduate students, aim to support educational, personal, and professional growth by focusing on key areas such as time management, learning strategies, notetaking, testing, motivation, and procrastination, recognizing the challenges of university settings and providing resources and strategies to excel in rigorous learning environments.

    ASCC Tutoring

    ASCC drop-in tutoring services, provided by peer facilitators, are free and designed to enhance academic success, covering a range of subjects including Accounting, Biology, Math, Spanish, and Writing; make the most of your session by coming prepared bringing specific questions, attending consistently, and reviewing the material covered afterwards.

    Addressing Financial Constraints Impacting Academic Success:

    First Gen Library Use and Free Textbook Access

    WSU’s Library staff answer questions and provide resources to access some text-books free of charge. Be sure to check their availability before purchasing your textbooks.

    WSU’s Student Financial Services

    Work with WSU Financial Services department to determine what kinds of financial assistance you are eligible for as you pursue your higher education.

    WSU’s Emergency Assistance Fund

    For those who find themselves in instances of severe financial need be aware there are resources to access.

  • Career Concerns

    Limited Access to Networks and Mentors:

    ADPlist

    An online mentorship tool to connect with industry professionals and learn more about expectations and norms for a wide range of settings.

    Lack of Familiarity with Professional Settings:

    Rise First

    Rise First is a dedicated team of First Gen students and staff, working to create an inclusive online platform that consolidates nationwide programs and resources for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students, providing a curated resource center and fostering a supportive community that offers information, support, and career-focused resources to empower FGLI students in their higher education journey and professional development.

    Limited Knowledge of Career Paths:

    ASCC’s Labor Market Insights Tool

    Learn about wages, openings and requirements of many jobs from a wide variety of industries. Use either the keyword search or search within an industry type and inform yourself about what is possible for the future.

    My Next Move: Explore Careers and Educational Pathways

    Utilize this interactive tool by the U.S. Department of Labor to explore diverse career options and gain insights into the educational pathways leading to those careers.

    Individual Guidance and Coaching for Career Development from First Semester on:

    ASCC Career Coaching

    ASCC’s Career Coaches are ready to meet with you to give you the opportunity to ask questions, talk about your goals, and create a plan for having a job that you are excited for lined up at graduation. Starting sooner is always helpful so don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with us.

 

What is Job Shadowing? Definition, Benefits, and How to Set It Up

The job search is exciting because there are so many options for what you can do — but for the same reason, it can also be overwhelming. How can you figure out what you want to do if you don’t …

Read more

Giving Yourself Time to Thrive This Finals Season

Hello and how are you? This is not meant to be a corny opening, trying to get you to talk back to your screen. Rather, this is a very real moment of reflection for you to sit with your progress …

By Adrianne Mitchell
Adrianne Mitchell GA: Academic Coach
Read more

First-Generation College Student Career Barriers (and How to Overcome Them)

I was a first-generation college student, and while I’ve held numerous jobs over the past decade, the struggles that began in college still have a lasting effect on me today. Unfortunately, many of the issues we first-generation college students (or …

Read more

Unlock your Ph.D. Potential: McNair Scholars Program at WSU is currently accepting applications for 2024-25 cohort

Do you dream of earning your Ph.D.? The McNair Scholars Program has been preparing eligible Washington State University undergraduates for graduate school since 1999 and is currently recruiting eligible students who have at least 4-semesters left before graduation.

Participants receive:

By Hildegarde Velasco-Faga'autau
Hildegarde Velasco-Faga'autau Internship Coordinator
Read more

Grade Checks

Have you checked your grades yet? If not, it’s a good idea to log in to your Canvas account and see where you stand in all your classes. Additionally, if you want to know how your grades will impact your …

By Cristal Resendiz-Ramos
Cristal Resendiz-Ramos Intern: Academic Coach
Read more

Sidebar

Featured Resources

As a college student, you are a target for scammers. They know that you are young, potentially inexperienced, and may …

Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Explore all Labor Market Insights here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(509) 335-6000
Email
Address

Lighty Student Services Rooms 160 - 190
1815 NE Wilson Rd
Pullman, WA

ASCC Hours

Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm