First-Generation & Pell-Eligible Community
Welcome to the First-Generation and Pell-Eligible community at the University of Montana! This virtual online community is a dedicated space for all students to connect, peruse resources, and find valuable information to help at any stage of their career journey.
Feeling some Imposter Syndrome or struggling with belonging?
We’ll help with that, too. We want you to feel equipped, confident, and connected as you embark on your professional endeavors.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can meet with a career coach who specializes in supporting First-Generation and Pell-Eligible students as you explore career options, prepare application materials, and navigate professional opportunities.
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Career planning tools tailored to First-Generation and Pell-Eligible students.
- Resources and programs that may be particularly helpful for students navigating college as the first in their family or with Pell Grant eligibility.
- Job and internship listings relevant to your goals, values, and interests.
Connect & Get Involved
- Student organizations and campus partners that provide connection, advocacy, and community for First-Generation and Pell-Eligible students.
Get Career-Ready
- Personalized career coaching
- Résumé and interview guidance
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance
Be Informed
- Opportunities and events that may align with your academic and professional goals.
- Tips and resources to help you make the most of your campus experience and future career path.
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
- Office of Student Success: Central hub for advising, tutoring, peer support, and graduation planning.
- Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising for undeclared, pre-health, and first-year students.
- The Writing Center: Tutoring to strengthen writing, presentation, and public speaking.
- TRiO Student Support Services: Tutoring, mentoring, and resources for eligible first-gen and Pell students.
- Four Bear Program: Guidance on how you can graduate in 4 years
- Math Tutoring: Offers free or low-cost academic support in quantitative courses to help students who lack strong math preparation in high school.
- Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
- Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Dean of Students Office: Provides crisis response, referrals, and conduct support.
- ASUM: Student government advocating and providing campus services.
- Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
- Housing and Dining Services: On-campus housing and meal plans with accommodations.
- Living Communities: Residence halls built around shared interests and lived experiences.
- The Branch Center: Intercultural hub for identity groups, programs, and connection.
- Campus Recreation: Fitness, outdoor, and wellness activities for all students.
- Curry Health Services: Primary health care and wellness services for UM students. Includes general medicine, pharmacy, dental, counseling, and other wellness services.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Montana 10: Scholarship program offering academic, financial, & social support.
- Financial Education Program (FEP): Offers workshops and one-on-one guidance on FAFSA, budgeting, and financial planning to help Pell-eligible and first-generation students build financial literacy.
- Alumni Association: Offers career advising, networking, and Handshake access to recent grads.
- First2Finish (UM Law School): Supports first-generation law students with mentorship/community.
- Orientation and New Student Success: Programs to help new students transition and connect.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed below are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
- Academic and Financial Support
- Apply Montana: the state’s official college-planning portal offering tools and guidance for first-gen and Pell-eligible students to explore careers and education paths in Montana.
- Montana University System Scholarships (Award Montana): administers need- and merit-based state scholarships and grants covering up to full tuition—key support for Pell-eligible students.
- Clearwater Credit Union: provides free financial education (budgeting, credit, and student financing) to enhance financial literacy among Pell-eligible students.
- Career Support:
- Missoula Job Service: a local employment hub providing recruitment, interview facilities, and HR guidance—ideal for first-gen students seeking work opportunities.
- Missoula Works: connects individuals facing employment barriers with temporary and permanent jobs—great for Pell-eligible students building work experience.
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry: offers comprehensive labor market insights and workforce services, helping students explore in-state career opportunities.
- Express Employment Professionals – Missoula: offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
- Education and Social Support
- The Lifelong Learning Center: offers certifications in trades and technical fields—an essential resource for quick entry job training.
- Girl Get After It: make new friends, try new things and connect with like-minded women in Missoula, Montana.
- Missoula Women’s Business Network: fosters a supportive community where women connect, learn, and access resources to enhance their personal and professional growth.
- Missoula Young Professionals: provides civic involvement opportunities designed to engage the next generation of leaders through networking and volunteer events that aid in professional and personal development.
- America Needs You: connects first-gen students with mentorship and career guidance through its virtual “FirstGenU” program and professional network.
- CareerSpring: a free online career network built explicitly for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students, providing a curated job board and mentor connections to help launch meaningful careers.
- College Recruiter: a national job site for college students and recent graduates, aggregates millions of part-time jobs and internships. Dedicated to diversity, it helps Pell-eligible and first-generation students find relevant opportunities and gain initial professional experience.
- The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE): advocates for college access and success for first-gen and low-income students via research, member network, and annual conferences.
- Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO): supports minority and low-income students aspiring to law school with prep programs, mentorship, and admissions assistance.
- FirstGen Forward: offers a network, data-driven resources, and professional development for higher education institutions to close first-gen completion gaps.
“But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
