First Generation Students
RU First Gen
A first-generation student is one whose parents or guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution. During the 2024-2025 school year, Regis was home to at least 2,014 first-generation students. 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. In addition to the support services for students that are available to all, we offer high-impact programs to support First Gen students as they transition into Jesuit higher education.
PUENTE Pre-Nursing Program
Application Deadline: June 5
PUENTE stands for: Pipeline Uplifting Excellence in Nursing Training and Education. The PUENTE Pre-Nursing Program is a four-year, cohort-based scholarship and support opportunity for incoming Colorado residents who are pre-nursing students and have been admitted to the Regis University Nursing Program. This program begins with a 12-day summer pre-orientation program (July 13-24) and continues throughout the following four academic school years. Those accepted into this 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.
The "Apply to PUENTE" link below was corrected on April 10, 2026.
Learn About BenefitsApply to PUENTE
Summer Bridge
Please note: This program has been paused for 2026. However, if you are interested in getting on the list for other First Gen programming events at Regis, please fill out this interest form.
Summer Bridge is a student success and leadership development program that includes an overnight on-campus experience and 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.
RU First Leadership and Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: June 25
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. In the last seven years, the RU First Program supported 130 first-gen students in achieving their academic and career goals with leadership seminars, peer and faculty mentoring and over $243,000 in scholarships. For more information, email Dr. Jason Taylor at jptaylor@regis.edu.
First Gen Belonging Breakfasts
All First Gen students are invited to participate in our seven Belonging Breakfasts on Friday mornings during the fall and spring semesters. These breakfasts are an opportunity to connect with other First Gen students and learn about the many exciting opportunities for engagement both on and off campus. If you are interested in receiving our newsletter and invitations to these breakfasts, please email rufirstgen@regis.edu.
First Steps Resource Desk
Look for us during Orientation or in the CoBe office on the second floor of the Student Center, Suite 208!
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 208.
Complete the First Gen Programming Survey to let us know what you may be interested in.
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!