first-Gen newsletter		March 31, 2025

Dear First-Gen Community and Friends,

The Bobcat First Program team is excited to launch our Newsletter via Bates Engage. While we are still learning the platform, we are excited that it will give us a central place to connect and share information. You can look forward to weekly newsletters filled with opportunities, events, and musings to keep you connected with all things first-gen and all things student success at Bates (and beyond).

We also hope that you'll help us spread the word to more faculty, staff, and students who identify as first-gen themselves or support the first-gen community. Share this newsletter and link to join Bobcat First on Bates Engage and grow the community.

As we are just getting started and the semester is winding down, the events and opportunities lists are light this week. Nonetheless, we hope you'll take a look, encourage others to join our group page and check out the question of the week! Have a great first week of April.

Events

Each week we'll be promoting events that the First-Gen Programs host, but also shouting out the cool things happening on and around campus that we think are worth your attention. While we don't have any First-Gen events this week (good luck with wrapping up winter semester), check out these cool events happening this week:

EVENT

Grad School 101 Workshop

Monday, March 31
7:00pm - 8:30pm

Commons, Dining Services, 221/222 - Meeting Room , 0.000000 0.000000
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Are you considering graduate or professional school after Bates? Whether you’ve been pondering an advanced degree for a while or you’re just starting to explore your options, join the Purposeful Work staff who can provide a broad overview of the grad school landscape — from exploring the types of degrees available to determining whether and when to apply. The workshop also addresses the logistics of the application process — from researching schools and programs to making your final decisions about where to go.

The goal of Grad School 101 is to provide you with:

strategies and recommendations for exploring grad school
guidance and support for engaging with grad school representatives, and
basic information about grad school applications and admissions.
We hope to provide you with a sense of the breadth and depth of available options so that you can explore programs that will give *you* the greatest sense of purpose.

Check out THIS PAGE for additional support and resources.

Click Here to RSVP

EVENT

Africana Fashion Show

Saturday, April 5
7:00pm - 9:00pm

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Join the annual Africana Fashion Show this Saturday! This year's theme is a Timeless Journey where we explore fashion in African Fashion throughout time! Be ready for stunning Dances, Music, and Fashion at the Annual Africana Fashion Show!

Click Here to RSVP

Opportunities

First Gen Student Summit

A Student-Centered Conference for First-Gen

The First Gen Summit is an annual gathering of first-gen students and their allies from around the country. The conference centers students and provides opportuntiies to identify problems, discuss grassroots solutions, and share what’s working on their campuses. This year, the conference will be at Wellesly College in Massachusetts on Saturday, November 8th (National First Gen Day!). Keep up to date about the conference by checking out the website and joining the mailing list here.

The Summit is a valuable professional and networking opportunity for first-gen students. There are opportunities for students to work as leaders planning the summit, present workshops, and bring learning back to their home campuses. The Bobcat First Program hopes to send a small delegation of students to the Summit this fall. If you are interested in learning more about the conference, reach out via email to Misa or use this link to schedule a time to chat!

Become a BatesStart

Apply Today to Work Reunion!

Are you available in June and interested in helping out with Bates alumni reunion? Consider applying to be a BatesStar. This is a great opportunity for students to make some cash and network before the summer begins. Please feel free to reach out to Adama Diaby, Assitant Director of Alumni Engagement, if you have any questions or concerns.

Virtual Career and Graduate Fair

Tuesday, Apr 8 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST | Register Today!

Are/were you a first generation student or a nontraditional student? Vault is hosting a Virtual First Generation and Nontraditional Students Career and Grad School Fair on April 8, 2025. It is FREE to attend.

For over 25 years, Vault has been a trusted resource for career and education insights, reaching millions of students and professionals. Powered by CareerEco, this free, online event connects you directly with employers and graduate schools looking for students like you.

Why attend?
• Explore job & internship opportunities and meet recruiters
• Meet admissions reps from graduate programs—including part-time and online programs
• Get expert career and education advice
Don’t miss this opportunity! Register for free today.

Question of the Week

What song, album, or musical piece do you recommend?

I don't know about you, but I (Misa) listen to music 24/7. Whether I am cranking out emails, working out, cleaning, or relaxing, I have a playlist for everything. I want to hear your music recommendations and maybe we can put together a first-gen community playlist. Share your musical recommendations with us for this week's question!

Click Here to Respond

First-Generation Programs Staff

Misa Beltran-Guzman
Director of First-Generation Programs

Email: mbeltranguzman@bates.edu
Phone: 207-755-5971
Office: SCBC, Room 146
Schedule a meeting with meSc

Tatiana Pullen
Assistant Director of First-Generation Programs

Email: tpullen@bates.edu
Phone: 207-755-5907
Office: SCBC, Room 144

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