First-generation fellowship helps Liberal Arts students prepare for future

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Penn State students Alyssa Nigel and Luna Nunez-Peralta, the College of the Liberal Arts’ First-Generation Pathways Fellowship has allowed them to explore their career interests, build professional relationships and prepare for their lives after graduation.

As the inaugural cohort members wrap up their three-semester fellowship experience, both took time to reflect on how the program has helped them navigate college and plan for their futures as first-generation students.

Supported by Penn State alumnus Arturo León, who graduated in 2006 with a double major in psychology and history, the fellowship provides individualized mentorship, leadership opportunities and professional development through the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success. Fellows receive up to $2,000 to support professional growth, post-graduate expenses such as entrance exam fees or out-of-classroom experiences.

For Patty Klug, director of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success, the fellowship is an opportunity to provide first-generation students with individualized support as they identify their goals and pursue experiences that can help them reach them.

“Our First Gen students have the talent, determination and resilience to succeed," Klug said. "What they may not have is access to the networks, mentors and insider knowledge that often make the difference. I wanted to design this First Gen Fellowship to provide students the roadmap — and the relationships — to navigate college, launch their careers and build the future they envision."

According to Nunez-Peralta, a Philadelphia native and third-year student dual-majoring in criminology and psychology with a minor in women’s studies, the experience helped her explore career paths she had not previously considered.

Through one-on-one meetings with Klug, Nunez-Peralta researched internship opportunities, connected with alumni and identified professional experiences that aligned with her interests.

“My vision has become clearer, especially in terms of areas I want to pursue,” Nunez-Peralta said. “I now know that I want to focus more on the social work side of my interests rather than the criminal justice side. The fellowship has helped me understand what areas I am most passionate about where I want to focus my career.”

Nunez-Peralta, a Chaiken Scholar, plans to use the fellowship’s financial support to help cover transportation and housing expenses for a summer internship in 2027.

“This support will make it possible for me to take advantage of an opportunity that I may have otherwise struggled to afford,” Nunez-Peralta said.

Following her internship, Nunez-Peralta said she hopes to study abroad next fall and continue pursuing experiences that will prepare her for life after Penn State.

As members of the inaugural fellowship cohort, Nigel and Nunez-Peralta also have had the opportunity to help shape the program for future first-generation students.

“It’s very inspiring to be the start of a lasting idea that can positively affect students for years to come,” Nigel said. “It’s cool to see how my experiences through this fellowship will shape the future of the program.”

As Nigel prepares to graduate in the spring, she said she hopes to use the skills and connections she has gained through the fellowship to navigate her transition into the workforce. She also encouraged future fellows to advocate for themselves and seek guidance from mentors who can help them pursue their goals.

Nunez-Peralta said the fellowship has made her more comfortable reaching out to alumni, asking for support and exploring opportunities she might not previously have considered. She said she is also proud that she and Nigel have helped pave the way for future cohorts.

“Being a part of the first cohort feels very valuable because I believe this program gives first-generation students opportunities that they may not have otherwise had,” Nunez-Peralta said. “As someone who was not only the first in my family to attend college, but also who has worked to provide for myself, it makes me feel accomplished to be a part of a program like this.”

Applications for the next cohort of the Liberal Arts First-Generation Pathways Fellowship will close on Monday, Oct. 19.