The University of North Texas (UNT) has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting first-generation students within the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. The ‘First in Business’ program, launched in Fall 2023, provides tailored mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities to students who are the first in their families to attend college. The program is designed to help these students overcome financial and social challenges, enabling them to pursue academic and career success.
According to Marilyn Wiley, dean of the Ryan College of Business, the initiative goes beyond academics, serving as a crucial resource for first-generation students. “We recognize the first step into higher education can be the hardest, and this program is designed to make that step a little easier by equipping our students with the knowledge, confidence, and network they need to not only succeed but thrive,” said Wiley.
First-generation students, who make up 45% of the Ryan College of Business population, often face unique challenges in higher education, including financial burdens and limited access to professional role models. The ‘First in Business’ program addresses these issues by offering resources such as personalized advising, employment coaching, workshops, and networking events. Students also receive stipends for books, professional attire, and career development activities.
Christina Aguilar, director of Student Success and Recruitment, emphasized the program’s impact on creating a supportive community. “We’ve become a home away from home for [students],” Aguilar noted. “We are the bridge to answers for things they otherwise would not know.”
The program currently supports 40 students, with 17 new participants joining this fall. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum GPA, participate in required coursework and activities, and remain in contact with their mentors. The goal is to ensure a high graduation rate, with students securing internships and job placements or continuing their education in graduate school. The program aims for 75% of its graduates to secure jobs with starting salaries above the regional average.
Students in the program, such as sophomore Santiago Lara, who is majoring in business finance, have praised the initiative for providing critical support. “As a first-generation student, it’s pretty scary at the beginning of college,” said Lara. “The First in Business Program connected me with others new to this experience, helping me navigate a path to achieving my goals.”
The ‘First in Business’ program is funded by donors and aims to continue its efforts in providing first-generation students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and professionally.