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. We are here to support your growth and success at every stage, from career planning and major exploration (including graduate programs) to finding job and internship opportunities, building a professional network, crafting effective resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and negotiating job offers. 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.
All Grizzlies are welcome to explore from every community and resource we offer.
Start Here: Key Steps and Support
GrizHub
The university’s main hub for student clubs, organizations, and intramural teams—an excellent starting point for first-gen students seeking community.
Math Tutoring
Offers free or low-cost academic support in quantitative courses to help students who lack strong math preparation in high school.
The Writing and Public Speaking Center
Provides one-on-one tutoring and workshops to strengthen writing, presentation, and public-speaking skills for all students.
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.
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS)
Offers advising support for classes and financial aid, tutoring, mentoring, workshops, textbook and technology loans, and more for students who are first-generation, low-income, or have disabilities.
“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:
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.
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
Local & State
National
Apply Montana is 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.
The Missoula Job Service is 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.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry offers comprehensive labor market insights and workforce services, helping students explore in-state career opportunities.
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.
Express Employment Professionals offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
The Lifelong Learning Center offers certifications in trades and technical fields—an essential resource for quick entry job training.
America Needs You connects first-gen students with mentorship and career guidance through its virtual “FirstGenU” program and professional network.
CareerSpring is 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 advocates for college access and success for first-gen and low-income students via research, member network, and annual conferences.
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.
Have suggestions to improve this space?
This space has been collaboratively developed with our UM partners and continues to evolve.
We truly appreciate your input and encourage you to share your ideas to help us enrich it.
