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MISSOULA – The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥’s commitment to serving and supporting all who seek higher education is deeply embedded in its mission. This devotion goes deepest when it comes to the one in four Grizzlies who .

To salute these special individuals UM will host a number of events in recognition of National First-Generation Student Day Wednesday, Nov. 8 This national recognition has its roots in the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased federal funding and resources for universities to provide financial assistance to lower- and middle-income families, and more broadly, expanded access to higher education for America’s diverse student body.  

“We recognize the promise and resilient journeys of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are the first in their family to attend college,” said Leslie Webb, UM vice provost for Student Success and Campus Life. “There are invisible barriers for most first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ that include self-esteem, adjustment to college, anxiety and networks of support.”

Webb noted that this fall’s enrollment included 2,555 first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, with 75% being Montana residents. Some 64% are undergrads.

In a larger effort to be Montana’s college of choice for first-generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, Webb said, UM has made significant investments to ensure first-generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ succeed while on campus.

University programming that supports first-generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ include:

• TRiO Student Support Services, which provides academic advising, tutoring, career advising, financial aid and mentoring for UM first generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.
• Montana 10 is a state-funded scholarship program to ensure first- generation Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ have the financial support, community and academic support needed to achieve educational goals.
• A comprehensive new student orientation features the Big Sky Experience. The program organizes Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ into small groups and connects them with activities on campus and across town to help build community and support among Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. It also includes a special site activity hosted by TRiO with first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in mind.
• UM’s new innovative approach to financial aid has further helped reduce hurdles to accessing a college education. The Grizzly Promise, launched in 2022, provides in-state Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ a tuition-free education if they come from a family earning less than $50,000 annually. The University does this by combining available scholarships, grants, waivers and private philanthropic support.

 “If you’re a UM alumni, student, parent or partner that is first-gen, please share your story with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ on social media today and tag @umontana,” Webb said. “It’s important to make visible our inclusive, supportive community by celebrating your individual journey and outcome of navigating the world of academia. Actively reach out and support fist-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in your networks.”

UM alumni and friends are passionate about helping first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ achieve their education goals. Donor gifts provided a record-breaking $8 million in life-changing scholarships this academic year. Last year, 2,060 UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, including first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with need for financial aid, received support from Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Foundation scholarship funds.  

Those interested in helping first-gen Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who may need financial support to attend and earn a degree at UM, should  visit to learn more and give.

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Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu.