The Georgia Institute of Technology will host a one-day First-Generation College Institute for rising first-generation and limited income 8th through 12th graders on Saturday, July 16 at the Savannah campus, 210 Technology Circle. This inaugural event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is supported by the Institute’s First-Generation Student Programs, the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) and the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

The First-Generation College Institute is a state-wide summer initiative designed to identify, engage, and prepare participants in making the successful transition to college while increasing their exposure to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEM and STEAM) enrichment. Planned morning activities include informational sessions on undergraduate admissions and financial aid with hands-on STEM and STEAM activities in the afternoon. The event is free and only requires online registration. Meals and snacks will be provided.

“Collaborating with CEISMC and Undergraduate Admission affords us the opportunity to be proactive in expanding access to underserved populations, especially in Georgia’s rural communities,” said First-Generation Program and Operations Manager Charmaine Troy. “The earlier that students know the college preparation process and the aptitude in STEM that is required for an institution like Georgia Tech, the more prepared they will be for the college application process and their transition into college.”

The First-Generation College Institute is one of the signature programs of First-Generation Student Programs, which seeks to advance first-generation and limited income student success at Georgia Tech through resources and programming in collaboration with campus partners.

When Troy joined Georgia Tech last year to lead the new unit, which is housed in the Office of Undergraduate Education, she already planned to bring such an event to the first-generation students of Georgia. Adding a STEM component to the event was the result of a meeting between Troy and Sirocus Barnes, CEISMC director of student programs. Through its outreach activities and research projects, CEISMC has served as the primary connection point between Georgia Tech faculty and students and the preK-12 STEM and STEAM education community for over 30 years.