UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications are now open for the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha at University Park, a national honor society celebrating academic achievement and leadership within the first-generation community.
Tri-Alpha membership is open to first-generation undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni and other University supporters. Penn State defines a first-generation student as an undergraduate student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
Tri-Alpha members receive a lifetime of benefits, including leadership, career and academic opportunities, a certificate and pin at initiation, access to a network of first-gen peers and mentors, and public recognition of their induction. This year’s induction ceremony will be held on Monday, April 21.
“Being the first in your family to earn a college degree is an immense accomplishment, made even more remarkable by achieving academic excellence along the way. Membership in Tri-Alpha provides a platform to celebrate these trailblazers and connect them to the larger first-gen community at Penn State,” said Eta Psi chapter adviser Chelsey Walls.
For the application and more information, visit the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success website. Applications and letters of recommendation are due Feb. 7 and decisions will be made before spring break, March 9. Those with questions about their applications should email Eta Psi Chapter Advisor Chelsey Walls, at crs21@psu.edu, or Eta Psi Chapter President Nathaniel Hendricks, at nrh5342@psu.edu.
Tri-Alpha also will provide a built-in community for first-generation students who are changing campuses (e.g., 2+2 students) or those transferring to Penn State from another institution with a Tri-Alpha chapter. Tri-Alpha chapters can also be found at Penn State Abington, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Berks, Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State Lehigh Valley, Penn State Scranton, and Penn State York.
Membership and eligibility
Current Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to apply. In addition to submitting a brief statement of interest, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
Currently enrolled undergraduate students must have:
- earned at least 42 credits toward a bachelor’s degree by the end of the fall 2024 semester.
- at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA.
- a recommendation submitted by a current Penn State faculty or staff member.
Currently enrolled master’s or doctoral students must have:
- earned at least 18 credits toward a master’s degree by the end of the fall 2024 semester.
- at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
- a recommendation submitted by a current Penn State faculty or staff member.
Current Penn State staff, administration or faculty members must have:
- been employed in their current role for at least two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) by the end of the fall 2023 semester (spring and fall).
- a recommendation from a current first-generation Penn State student at the primary level at which they instruct, advise or otherwise support (an undergraduate or graduate student).
- identity as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success.
Alumni who completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree at University Park and wish to join Tri-Alpha need a recommendation submitted by a current member of the Penn State community, such as faculty, staff or student, and identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success.
About the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success
The Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education and is located at 325 Boucke Building on the University Park campus. The center provides proactive support and tailored interventions to help undergraduate students develop essential skills, navigate academic transitions, and foster a sense of connection and belonging.