UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Just as a lighthouse guides mariners through uncertain waters, faculty and staff in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are serving as beacons to help first-generation students navigate the challenges and opportunities of college life.
The First-Gen Lighthouses initiative was launched in September with a welcoming mixer, noted Laura Leites, assistant dean for access and equity. She said first-generation college students bring a wealth of strengths, including determination, resourcefulness and a deep sense of purpose, as they navigate unfamiliar academic and social environments.
“As pioneers in their families, they often approach college with great pride and a strong drive to succeed,” she said. “While they may not have immediate access to familial guidance on academic culture and expectations, their unique backgrounds and perspectives are valuable contributions that enhance campus life.”
Leites emphasized that large universities such as Penn State can present distinct challenges for first-gen students, from managing midterm stress to accessing high-impact opportunities such as undergraduate research.
To help bridge this gap, the initiative, led by Amber May, director of access and community engagement, connects first-generation students with faculty and staff who are first-generation college graduates. May explained that these “lighthouses” offer guidance and encouragement through shared meals, events, conversations and regular check-ins, helping students feel more confident and connected as they navigate their first year.
“The goal is to foster a sense of belonging, build academic and social capital, and support students in navigating their college journey to degree completion while celebrating their achievements and contributions along the way,” Leites said.
For mentors like Tyler Groh, assistant research professor and watershed management extension specialist, the program is about building community and opening doors.
“I truly hope that everyone feels like they belong at Penn State since we are founded on the mission that everyone deserves access to a public, science-based education,” he said. “However, getting to the point of feeling accepted into the community can be difficult. While the Lighthouse program is not intended to be their one and only community of involvement, I do hope that we serve as a gateway to the world of possibilities here at Penn State and beyond.”
As a first-generation college graduate, Chase Straw said being part of the initiative is meaningful.
“I remember what it felt like to navigate college for the first time, and I have a passion for helping guide young people who are now in those same shoes,” said Straw, now an assistant professor of turfgrass soils. “This program allows me to give back by guiding first-generation students and supporting them in ways I wish I had when I started my own journey.”
Chantel Wilson, 4-H STEM specialist with Penn State Extension, “jumped at the chance” to participate in the program, noting that it is precisely the kind of support they needed as a first-generation college student.
“I’m honored to be in a position to foster a sense of belonging, positively transform the lives of young people and facilitate smooth transitions into the higher education environment,” Wilson said. “It is an incredible feeling to be there for our students, share my lived experiences and learn how I can best serve a segment of the population with unique needs, strengths and challenges.”
Jessica Maben, a first-year student from Thompsontown, said the program already is providing her with the support she needs to succeed.
“As a first-generation student, I was apprehensive about the college experience as a whole,” said Maben, a plant sciences major. “I also knew I would need help navigating the challenges I would face, and I didn't know who to ask. The faculty and staff involved have been incredibly welcoming so far, and since they themselves are all successful first-generation students, I feel welcomed and seen. I'm looking forward to having their support and guidance throughout my first year, and I would recommend this program to first-gens in the college.”
Veterinary and biomedical sciences major Jefany Chen, of East Stroudsburg, agreed.
“I joined the program to connect with other students who are in the same shoes as I am," Chen said. "I also wanted to meet first-gen staff members so I could hear about their experiences and take in their advice. Overall, it feels comforting to know that there are others like me and I’m not alone.”
Leites expressed gratitude to college leadership, faculty and staff for their support of the First-Gen Lighthouses program. She offered special thanks to alumna Dawn Chianese, whose generous gift helped make the launch of the initiative possible.
To learn more, contact May at alm6458@psu.edu or visit the program’s webpage.