The F1rst-Gen Initiative aims to identify and provide a community and support for individuals who are either from low income backgrounds or first-generation college students in their family, now pursuing research or further higher education

Many times, individuals whose parents/caregivers do not hold bachelor's degrees have not had the same template or resources to navigate the higher education system as their peers. Additionally, many individuals identify as coming from low-income backgrounds. These trainees often encounter significant financial barriers as they pursue higher education and training as they do not have a financial safety net or family to rely on for assistance. The goal of the First-Gen Initiative is to build a first-gen community for individuals across Harvard, to identify the needs and hurdles individuals in this community encounter as they pursue graduate/postdoctoral training, and to create resources to help achieve greater equity. The First-Gen Initiative currently puts on social events for community building for first-gen individuals across Harvard departments and will be offering professional development events in the near future.

If you are interested in attending future events, please join our contact list by filling out this form.

If you are interested in getting involved with event ideation and planning (you do not have to be a member of Systems Biology to join us!), please contact Dan Lu (dan_lu@hms.harvard.edu) for more information