Welcome to the students with first-generation affinity community page!

Navigating college and career readiness can be overwhelming when you are a first-generation college student.  This web page will provide advice, resources, and networking opportunities tailored to your needs to help you gain the most from your college experience and feel more confident and prepared after graduation. 

Who is first-gen?

Depending on who you’re asking, the definition of first-gen students can be a bit different.  Here at the Fleishman Center, we are keeping it simple.

  • Students whose parents/guardians did not complete a 4-year degree 

This web page is designed to be open to all Binghamton University students, faculty and staff regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law.

How Invesco’s Veronica Castillo Lifts Up Latinx Professionals at Work and in Her Community

Veronica Castillo is quick to point out that growing up, she was not fed by a silver spoon.

“My parents are of Mexican descent,” she explains. “My mom raised me as a single mom and migrant farm worker. We had …

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From Teaching to Tech and Thriving Post-Layoff with Maideli Garcia

In this episode, I chat with Maideli Garcia, a financial educator and former teacher who transitioned to the tech sector by leveraging her transferable skills. Maideli shares how she knew it was time to transition careers, the steps she took …

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Is Grad School for Me? Demystifying Process for First-Gen BIPOC Students

Grad school can take a toll on mental and physical health, particularly for women of color. Yet there is no denying that it can also play a role in advancing economic mobility. That’s why this episode is all about the …

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Empowering Black and Latina Women Through Financial Independence

Today’s episode is another Financial Literacy Month conversation, this time with Money Coach Aqura Nicholson. Earning more money doesn’t automatically mean you know how to manage more money. This is something that both Aqura and I had to learn the …

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Sidebar

Alumni Connections

Meet Oyinkansola
  • Elmont, New York
  • Human Capital Operations Senior Analyst Neuberger Berman
Meet Jeannie
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Mammalian Engineer Between Jobs
Meet Flynn
  • Farmingdale, New York
  • Research Technician Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories
Meet Arianna
  • New York, New York
  • Director - Business Analyst Morgan Stanley
Meet Carlos
  • New York, New York
  • Global Talent Strategy Leader Ernst & Young
Meet Dan
  • Syracuse, New York
  • Medical Surgical Registered Nurse St Joseph health hospital
Meet Mary
  • New York, New York
  • Research Assistant New York University (Gallatin School)
Meet Magda
  • New York, New York
  • Associate Director, Digital Investment OMD
Meet Frankie
Meet Yesenia
  • Kingston, Ontario
  • Privacy & AI Attorney Self-Employed (Of Counsel w/various firms)
Meet Jessica
  • Waldwick, New Jersey
  • Sr. Analyst Jaguar Land Rover North América
Meet Eduardo

Featured Resources

Established by Cathleen Ellsworth ’86 in honor of her relationship with Sheila Doyle, Executive Director of the Binghamton University Foundation, …

An award winning podcast and the first and #1 show in the world for first-generation scholars and professionals.

This guide provides first-generation college students with the resources they need to have a successful start of their college journeys.

Mentoring Network for first-generation faculty, staff and students at Binghamton University

Workshop series with Visions Federal Credit Union to help improve student financial literacy and financial wellness.

The application for this fund is at the bottom of this page. Please read all fund information carefully before applying. …

Get In Touch

Phone
607-777-2400
Address

University Union 133

Office Hours

Monday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Learn more about career consulting appointments here!