First-Generation Students

college of the atlantic

Support for your journey

Being the first in your family to pursue higher education is exciting, but can come with its own unique set of challenges. Let us help you as you navigate your way through.

We understand the unique perspectives and questions that first-generation college students might bring, and we want to build on your strengths to help you succeed.

Over 20% of our student body is first generation (students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college degree, including students who do not reside with or receive support from a parent or guardian). If you are one of the first to attend college in your family, you have reason to be proud!

First-generation voices

Anna Bradford ’23

I’ve met some of my closest friends through COA².

I  live with three of them. They are people whom I consider family, and who are my strongest support  systems, who allow me the   space to be crazy when I can’t be crazy.  We were in the original group when COA² started.  It is nice to find your community within this larger  one. [COA²] was able to allow us to block out time  for fun. In my experience here, for a lot of us first-gen students, we are so focused on  work. We don’t allow any time for fun, and COA² helped with that.”

Kourtney Collum

Partridge Chair in Food and Sustainable Agricultural Systems

I was a first-gen college student.

The first time I heard other faculty refer to themselves in that way I felt an enormous sense of belonging. And I’ve noticed that as staff talk about our identities (and particularly the obstacles we face/faced to getting to where we are now) some students become more comfortable talking about their own identities and the challenges they may face at COA.”

Gray Cox

Professor of philosophy, peace studies, and language learning

The architectural legacies of class differences are a regular reminder to me of how different institutions can look when you are not welcomed in through the front door.

For me, human ecology is about welcoming everyone into the shared learning process and celebrating the gifts they each bring.”

learn more

The college application and financial aid processes can be confusing, especially if they are unfamiliar, so we have broken down each step of the process in this guide. You can always contact us with any questions as well!

You are not alone. There is a network of support and resources to help you throughout your time here, from the day you arrive to the day you graduate.

COA² (COA College Opportunity and Access) is a strengths-based, “difference-education” program designed for students who self-identify with the experiences of first generation and/or low-income college students. COA ² offers a breadth and depth of student support services starting with an early move-in, peer mentors, integrated and culturally sustaining academic and career advising, and skill-building (e.g., leadership, financial management, advocacy).

Food access: There are many local resources to get food when the dining hall is closed. There is a community fridge on campus with leftover meals and fresh produce. In addition, there is a food pantry in Bar Harbor, free community meals every Tuesday night through Open Table MDI, and farmstands and farmers’ markets for fresh veggies. .

Contact the Admission Office

800-528-0025
207-288-4126 (fax)
inquiry@coa.edu

Stories from the Field

Bayo Akomolafe to deliver keynote address at COA’s 53rd Commencement

Posthumanist philosopher and poetic cultural theorist Dr. Bayo Akomolafe will present the keynote address at College of the Atlantic’s 53rd Commencement on Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. The event is open to members of the COA community, friends, family, and supporters. A widely celebrated international speaker, poet, teacher, self-styled… Read More