First Generation Students
RU First Gen
A first generation student is one whose parents or guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree from the United States. The percentage of first generation students on Regis’ campus in 2024 was 42%. We celebrate that this number is increasing each year! First generation students bring a wealth of experiences, knowledge and persistence to our campus. We are blessed by the collaborative ways first generation students lead, learn, share and elevate the entire Regis community.
RU First Gen? Welcome to the First Gen Success Center!
These Programs are for You!
Our First Gen Success Programs serve students with a First Generation experience or First Gen mindset. We offer high-impact programs to support First Gen students as they transition into Jesuit higher education. Read the descriptions below to explore our programs. Not sure which ones are right for you? Check out this comparison table that breaks down all the details in an easy-to-read format.
PUENTE Pre-Nursing Program
Application Deadline: June 7
PUENTE stands for: Pipeline Uplifting Excellence in Nursing Training and Education. The PUENTE Pre-Nursing Program is a 4-Year Cohort-based Scholarship and Support opportunity for incoming Regis pre-nursing students that begins with a 12-day summer pre-orientation program (July 14-25), and continues throughout the following 4 academic school years. Those accepted into the PUENTE Pre-Nursing Program receive up to $10,000 in benefits. Apply first! Ask questions later! You don’t want to let this opportunity pass you by!
The PUENTE Pipeline Program is made possible in part by the generosity of the Colorado Health Foundation. For any questions, please email rufirstgen@regis.edu.
Learn about benefitsApply to PUENTE
Summer Bridge
Early Bird Deadline: June 7
Application Deadline: July 7, 2025
Summer Bridge is a student success and leadership development program that includes an overnight on-campus experience from Aug. 10-16, an optional outdoor education experience from Aug. 16-19, a credit-based program for skill building during the fall semester, and an ongoing schedule of check-ins and fellowship throughout the first year. It is a great way to meet your people, build your community, grow your skills and thrive at Regis! An application is required. Those accepted into the program receive almost $5000 in program benefit so do not miss this opportunity! Complete your application today!
RU First Program
Application Deadline: June 27
The RU First Program is a four-year, credit-based academic and scholarship program that helps first gen students create community connections, practice accessing academic support resources, develop leadership skills, and navigate the complexities of higher education. Last year, the RU First Program supported 55 first gen students in achieving their academic and career goals with leadership seminars, peer and faculty mentoring and over $60,000 in scholarships. For more information, email Dr. Jason Taylor at jptaylor@regis.edu.
First Gen Strategies for Success Seminars
Application Deadline: Sept. 2 (end of add-drop)
The First Gen Strategies for Success Seminars (3S) are cohort-based communities of students with shared interests, affinity, and/or experiences who seek to increase their capacity and deepen their understanding of how best to thrive at Regis University. The First Gen 3S is a 5-week, credit-based, strategies class which also provides co-curricular opportunities to explore identity, story, gifts and graces. After the 5-week class ends, the cohort engages in community based learning during the time slot. To learn more about the First Gen 3S and express your interest, please reach out to Dr. Jason Taylor (jptaylor@regis.edu) co-chair of the First Gen Success Center. He will answer your questions and assist you in registering for one of the First Gen 3S classes.
First Steps Resource Desk - Look for us during Orientation!
This is a moveable resource center co-chaired and staffed by First Gen students from our Bridge(s), RUFirst, Work Study, Strategy Seminars and other programs. It is open during scheduled hours each week and serves as a resource for student-to-student mentoring and decoding of the college curriculum. Questions like “How do I? What does this mean? Who can help me with this? Where is that office?” are often heard around the First Steps Success Desk. This resource helps develop community among first-gen students, normalizes the “you don’t know what you don’t know” of college life, provides a context for connecting with First Gen faculty and staff, and increases campus wide knowledge about valuable academic and campus supports. To find out more about this resource, please email rufirstgen@regis.edu or stop by CoBe on the second floor of the Student Center, suite 212.
The First Gen Success Center is an outreach of the Community for Belonging and is co-chaired by Dr. Jason Taylor (jptaylor@regis.edu) and Rev. Tamara Boynton (tboynton@regis.edu). For specific questions about any of the programs listed here or any of the many additional activities and supports Regis provides to First Gen students, email one of the co-chairs or use the general rufirstgen@regis.edu email.
In addition to the First Gen Success Center Programs outlined on this page, Regis also has a First Gen Student Affinity Group called 1LEADS. To join 1LEADS, go to the Campus Groups app and use your Regis email to log in and follow them. You can also find them on Instagram!