Support for First-generation Students

You Belong Here

At Creighton, being a first-generation (first-gen) student is a source of pride. You bring resilience, perspective and determination to the college experience. Yet your inner strength doesn’t mean you have to navigate college alone. Creighton will support you, connecting you with people, tools and opportunities that can help you thrive academically, socially and professionally. Learn more about these resources below, and contact the First-Generation Student Success team if you have any questions.

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FirstGen Logos

First-gen Programs at Creighton

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

TRIO SSS provides comprehensive academic, financial and personal support to help students persist and graduate. Participants receive individualized advising, financial literacy education, graduate school preparation, tutoring coordination and community-building opportunities.

As one of five federally funded TRIO programs at Creighton, SSS reflects a longstanding national commitment to expanding access and closing equity gaps in higher education.

Explore TRIO SSS.

First Flight

This program is open to all first-gen students and provides an early, structured entry point into the Creighton experience. Participants build strong academic habits, form meaningful peer connections and learn how to confidently navigate university systems from day one.

Sign up for First Flight

Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha)

Creighton is home to Nebraska’s only chapter of Tri-Alpha, the national honor society that recognizes the academic achievement, leadership and perseverance of first-generation students, faculty and staff. Students who meet the national academic criteria are invited to apply or be inducted.

Next Generation Leaders Scholarship

Incoming first-year, first-gen students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Recipients gain structured academic, leadership and community-building support. This includes mentorship, intentional programming, and high-impact experiences designed to strengthen persistence, expand opportunity and prepare first-generation scholars for graduate study and professional success.

View undergraduate scholarship information.

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Creighton FirstGen & TRIO Logos

Family Support

Families are essential partners in student success, especially when college is a new experience for everyone. Creighton provides resources that explain academic milestones, campus supports and ways families can encourage independence while staying meaningfully connected. Upon enrollment, first-gen families are invited to activate their Bluejay Family Portal account and join the First-Gen Community.

Events and Celebrations

From National First-Gen Day to workshops and community gatherings, Creighton creates spaces to celebrate first-gen pride and share practical strategies for success. Current Creighton first-gen students are encouraged to learn out about upcoming events.

Guiding the Way

Supporting first-gen students is a commitment our community shares. Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Creighton all play a role in creating opportunities for these students to succeed. There are several ways to contribute—from advancing campus initiatives to mentoring students and investing in programs that expand opportunity.

First-Generation Steering Council

The First-Generation Steering Council is a cross-campus leadership group committed to strengthening outcomes for first-gen students. Grounded in Creighton’s Jesuit mission and commitment to justice, the Council works to close equity gaps between first-generation and continuing-generation students, ensuring first-gen students are not only welcomed but fully supported and celebrated. The Council brings together faculty, staff and campus partners to:

  • Align messaging and communication for first-generation students and families
  • Expand access to high-impact practices and leadership opportunities
  • Review institutional data and identify areas for improvement
  • Advance initiatives that promote belonging, persistence and graduation

First-Gen Community

Faculty, alumni and friends of the University play a vital role in mentoring first-gen students, sharing their stories, advancing programming and investing philanthropically in initiatives that expand opportunity and close equity gaps. Working together, this community helps empower first-gen students to graduate and lead.

Philanthropic Support

Creighton appreciates contributions that allow us to sustain scholarships, TRIO programs, leadership initiatives and high-impact experiences that remove barriers to success. Gifts from people like you fuel Creighton’s commitment to first-gen students.

Contact Us

First-Generation Student Success 
The Success Center 
2500 California Plaza 
Omaha, NE 68178

Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library 
Suite L27 (lower level)

402.280.1212