First-Generation Students Find a Home at OLLU

For many students, the decision to attend college is an exciting milestone. For first-generation students, however, it can also come with added challenges. Navigating applications, financial aid, campus life, and academic expectations without a family blueprint requires resilience, support, and a community that understands.

That’s where Our Lady of the Lake University stands out.

 

Understanding the First-Generation Experience

Being a first-generation student isn’t just about being the first to attend college. It often means balancing school with work or family responsibilities, facing unfamiliar academic environments, and navigating systems that aren’t always designed with your experience in mind.

OLLU recognizes this and makes first-gen support central to its mission.

 

A Culturally Responsive Community

As the first Hispanic-Serving Institution with deep roots in San Antonio, OLLU reflects the diversity of its community. The University's emphasis on serving underrepresented communities ensures that first-gen students are not only supported but welcomed holistically.

 

Support Services Designed to Make a Difference

OLLU offers a range of student success initiatives tailored to first-gen needs:

• Personalized Academic Advising: Dedicated advisors guide students through course selection, degree planning, and long-term academic success.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and alumni who were also first-generation students help build confidence and a sense of direction.
• First-Year Experience Courses: Specially designed to help students transition into college life, these courses teach critical skills in time management, study habits, and resource navigation.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: OLLU works to make college accessible with generous financial aid packages and scholarships that recognize the unique backgrounds of its students.
• The Center for Student Involvement: Provides leadership opportunities and workshops that help students become active and confident members of the OLLU community.

 

More Than a Degree

At OLLU, first-generation students aren’t just earning degrees; they are transforming their futures and reshaping what’s possible for generations to come. Understanding that success is not just academic, but personal, emotional, and cultural, OLLU is deeply committed to walking alongside first-gen students every step of the college journey and beyond.