Randolph, VT – For Sharon Asolmia Aganah, studying Health Sciences at Vermont State University (VTSU) opened doors to incredible opportunities like presenting her research at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Fall Conference in Springfield, MA. A first-generation college student, Sharon credits her faculty mentor for making the opportunity possible.
“The research experience I had this summer was very enriching. It was my first research experience ever and I was initially a bit nervous and stressed thinking I wouldn’t know how to go about it. But with the help of my mentor, the other staff and faculty here, and even my classmates who also had their own research projects going on, it was a great success and wonderful experience for me. I very much enjoyed it.”
As VTSU celebrates and reflects on First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) day this week, the university recognizes and honors members of the university community who, like Sharon, are the first in their families to attend college. Almost 50% of students at VTSU are the first in their family to attend college.
“VTSU is committed to making higher education accessible to all Vermonters,” said university President David Bergh. “Whether a person has role models and mentors in their family who can guide their educational experience or not, we’re here to support our learners as they explore the certificates, credentials, and degree programs that open doors to opportunity and good paying jobs. There are special supports available for those who are the first in their family to attend college and I welcome all who are looking for a new skill or opportunity to explore what we have to offer.”
Isabell Lanfear, a current senior at VTSU Castleton, shared her experience with two of these support programs, noting, “as a first-generation college student, I felt motivated to finish my education and get my degree in studio art with a minor in writing. I started Upward Bound (UB) the summer of my Freshman to Sophomore year of high school. UB really helped me figure out where I wanted to go, what I potentially wanted to do, and also pushed me to do the Early College program.”
Isabell also shared how she was able to utilize Early College to lower the cost of attending college. “Early College really helped me get ahead in my classes, without having to pay anything. It’s also what solidified my decision to continue my education at Castleton after I graduated from high school, as I had enjoyed the classes I took as well as the professors I met. These programs helped me get to where I am today in my academic career and they’ve also helped me grow as a person, teaching me life skills such as communication and connections. I’m very grateful to be a part of these programs and I would not be the person I am today without them.”
In addition to the students recognized this week, VTSU also honors the many faculty and staff who are first-generation college students. Marybeth Lennox-Levins is a professor of Sport Management and Athletic Leadership at VTSU Castleton. She shared, “I am so proud to have been a first-generation college student, who is now a full professor. The interesting thing is that there was never a question of whether I would go to college, and for that I will always be incredibly grateful to my parents. THEY instilled that expectation in me despite it never having been an expectation available to them. Additionally, they continued to support my dreams of continuing my education into graduate school. Thanks Mom and Dad.”
First-Generation College Celebration day will include events at all five VTSU campus locations and a virtual film screening focused on the first-generation student experience.
In addition to celebrating first-generation community members, VTSU wishes to highlight the programs that expand accessible pathways to higher education and support first-generation college students, including:
- Upward Bound provides free educational, cultural, and social activities to help high school students from modest or low-income families prepare for college.
- Early College allows high school seniors to complete their senior year and first year of college simultaneously, tuition-free for Vermont students.
- Dual Enrollment enables high school juniors and seniors to take up to two college courses tuition-free for Vermonters.
- Vermont Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) offers a similar opportunity as Early College, but for students interested in science and technology.
- McNair Scholars Program prepares low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students for Ph.D. programs through research opportunities, mentorship, and graduate school advising.
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ABOUT VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. More information about Vermont State University can be found here: https://vermontstate.edu/
