Dutchmen First group

Dutchmen First

Calling All First-Generation College Students.

We are excited to announce the expansion of our successful Dutchmen First program designed to support first-generation students through their transition to college and provide helpful resources throughout their college journey.

All about LVC’s Dutchmen First program

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 a sibling(s) who earned a degree(s).

Program Summary

Eligible first-generation students participating in the Dutchmen First programs and workshops will receive a $500 scholarship per year.

Requirements

  • Maintain good academic and financial standing.
  • Participate in / Complete 100% of the Dutchmen First workshops each semester.
    • Note: Additional workshop options are available for schedule conflicts (work schedule, athletics, extracurricular activities)
  • Participate in on 1:1 or small group meeting with an Academic Success Coach.  1:1 meetings are available at the request of the student.
  • Participation will be tracked on Canvas.  Attendance and short reflections are considered participation.
  • Students are eligible for participation in years 1, 2, 3 and 4 of enrollment at LVC
  • Dutchmen First will offer monthly workshops on a variety of topics that are strategically timed to ensure students receive continued support throughout the semester. Additionally, each cohort will have programming specifically tailored to their academic progress.
  • A Financial Literacy Workshop is offered to inform students on constructing a budget, creating savings while on a tight budget, and the financial habits of successful people.
  • In addition to the informative workshops, de-stress activities and social drop-ins will be held throughout the semester to build a sense of community.
  • Service and volunteer opportunities are planned for each semester.  In addition, students can give back to local schools, no-profit organizations, and neighborhood communities.
  • Providing resources, education and support for first-generation students to develop healthy and productive habits.
  • A $500 scholarship can be earned in years 1, 2 and 3 for active engagement in the program.
  • 4th year students have the opportunity to serve in the role of a Dutchmen First Mentor. 4th year Mentors will receive a Dutchmen First pin for graduation.
  • Develop a support network and resources to assist in a smooth transition to college and look to build a path to continued success.
  • Dutchmen First workshops will not only provide tools to current first-gen students but also ensure that future generations of their families will have the tools to be successful.

Registration and More Info

If you are interested in the Dutchmen First Program, complete the registration form.

For questions, contact Chad Schell, LVC’s Academic Success Coach, by email at schell@lvc.edu or 717-867-6799.

Build Your Community

The most beneficial part of being involved in LVC’s Dutchmen First Program is having an amazing group of people to relate to and receive support from when struggling with something that directly stems from being a First Gen.
Victoria Moreno ’25, Dutchmen First Leadership Council Member
Being a member of Dutchmen First Program on campus has helped me learn the ins and outs of college life and professional development in ways that I would have not known otherwise as a first-generation college student.
Caleb Gonder ’25
I am involved in a lot of activities here on campus that can get stressful and take a toll on my mental health. Thanks to Dutchmen First, I can participate in lots of de-stress events where I’m able to relax my mind and body with no worries!
Ashley Duchnowski ’26

Upcoming Dutchmen First Events