Dutchmen First

First-generation students in years 1, 2, 3, or 4 are eligible for the Dutchmen First program. A first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor’s degree.

Please note that you are still considered a first-generation student even if you have sibling(s) who have earned degree(s).

Program Summary

Eligible first-generation students who actively participate in the Dutchmen First program and complete all required Life Labs will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year (Years 1, 2, and 3).

Note: Scholarships are applied after the completion of each academic year, provided all program expectations are met.

Program Requirements

• Maintain good academic and financial standing.
• Participate in and complete 100% of Dutchmen First Life Labs each semester.
  • Life Labs are engaging 45-minute sessions centered around topics, information, and resources strategically timed to each cohort’s stage of academic progress. Life Labs provide practical tools, meaningful connections, and real conversations that help students thrive throughout their college experience.
  • Programming is built around four key pillars:
    1. Professional Development
    2. Academic Skill Development
    3. Wellness Series
    4. Resource Development
• Meet 1:1 or in a small group with an Academic Success Coach.
  • Meetings are available upon student request.
• Engage through Canvas.
  • Attendance and short reflection submissions will be used to track participation.

Eligibility: Students may participate in the program during their first through fourth years of enrollment at LVC.

The Dutchmen First program is built around four core pillars:

1. Professional Development
2. Academic Skill Development
3. Wellness Series
4. Resource Development

Life Labs are designed to be informative, supportive, engaging, and community-centered — helping students build confidence, connections, and a strong foundation for success at LVC and beyond.

What to Expect from D1st Life Labs

D1st Life Labs are engaging 45-minute sessions centered around topics, information, and resources strategically timed to each cohort’s stage of academic progress. Life Labs provide practical tools, meaningful connections, and real conversations that help students thrive throughout their college experience.

Programming is built around four key pillars:

• Professional Development
• Academic Skill Development
• Wellness Series
• Resource Development

Life Labs Include:

• De-stress activities that help students relax, recharge, and connect with peers
• Connections to service opportunities coordinated with Dr. Brandy Leininger, allowing students to give back through volunteer experiences with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
• Valuable connections, resources, education, and guidance that help first-gen students build healthy, productive, and sustainable habits for long-term success

Scholarships

• Students can earn a $1,000 scholarship in Years 1, 2, and 3 through active engagement in the program.

Senior Mentors

• Fourth-year students have the opportunity to serve as Dutchmen First Mentors and earn service and volunteer hours.
• Dutchmen First graduates will receive a graduation stole and pin in recognition of their participation.

• Develop a support network and gain access to resources that assist in a smooth transition to college while building a path toward continued success.
• Dutchmen First Life Labs not only provide tools to current first-generation students, but also help ensure that future generations of their families will have the tools to be successful.

Through intentional programming, mentorship, and community-building opportunities, D1st Athlete Nation provides resources and connections that help student-athletes thrive both in competition and in the classroom.

Programming is built around the core values of:

• Academic Success
• Personal Development
• Wellness & Recovery
• Leadership & Community

1. Participate in D1st Athlete Performance Labs

Performance Labs are evening-based sessions designed specifically for student-athletes and include:

• Refueling stations including protein shakes and smoothie bars
• Quick informational sessions
• Conversations around student-athlete success
• Wellness and recovery discussions

Topics may include:

• Time management
• In-season balance and performance habits
• Communication & leadership
• Career readiness
• Mental performance
• Academic balance
• Leadership development

2. Complete Life Lab Reflections

Students will complete short reflections following Life Labs to encourage engagement, accountability, and personal growth.

Reflections may include:

• Key takeaways
• Goal setting
• Resource awareness
• Personal application strategies

Participation tracking will occur through Canvas assignment submissions.

3. Attend D1st Life Labs

Students are encouraged to attend Life Labs whenever their athletic and academic schedules allow.

Life Labs Include:

• De-stress activities that help students relax, recharge, and connect with peers
• Connections to service opportunities coordinated with Dr. Brandy Leininger, allowing students to give back through volunteer experiences with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
• Valuable connections, resources, education, and guidance that help first-gen students build healthy, productive, and sustainable habits for long-term success.

The goal of D1st Athletes is to create a support system that helps first-generation student-athletes develop sustainable habits, build meaningful connections, and maximize their collegiate experience both academically and athletically.