First Generation

First Generation Students at YVC

Yakima Valley College is proud to support first-generation students in achieving their educational and professional goals. More than 80% of YVC students are first-generation, along with many faculty and staff members. We hope this page serves as a resource for first-generation undergraduate students and their families.

What is a First-Generation Student?

The term first-generation college student means:

• A student is considered first-generation if neither of the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) earned a bachelor’s degree.
• A student who lives with and received support from only one parent or guardian who did not earn a bachelor’s degree.
• A student who was/is a homeless youth, in the foster care system, or a ward of the state.

First-Generation College Celebration

Celebrated nationwide every November.

We are honored to join colleges and universities across the nation in the National First-Generation College Celebration this November 2023. Led by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success, this event celebrates the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff and alumni and raises awareness of the support necessary for this important and resilient population to continue thriving.

Please join this celebration by viewing stories of some of YVC’s first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff, making use of our first-gen social media and Zoom graphics, or learning more about our supports for first-gen students.

“You can do it. Even if it feels like no one supports your, the college itself will support you.”

Samuel Faulk - Reference Librarian

One of my main goals ever since I was little is going to a four-year school. When I graduate from YVC and transfer to a university I’ll be the first person in my family to go and that’s something that I’ve been holding on for since I was little. I remember when I was little thinking, “I’m going to college.” That was my dream and being here at YVC I am in college and I’m really proud of myself. I really want to make my family proud, but also for myself I really want to be a lawyer and come back to the Yakima Valley and help this community.

Mariah Cornejo - 2024 YVC Graduate

At 15 I was in a car accident. I suffered PTSD and didn’t realize how much it was affecting me until after I graduated. As a first-generation student who didn’t drive I didn’t have a way to get to campus. After a friend from church helped me learn to drive and I overcame my PTSD I’m really grateful to be here.

Lucero Liliana Mendez - 2024 YVC Graduate

As a high school student, I participated in a program called the College Success Foundation (CSF). At the time, the process of becoming a college student and paying for college seemed all so daunting. This made it difficult for me to develop a sense of urgency surrounding my post-secondary education plans. My CSF advisor recognized I was in jeopardy of succumbing to the summer melt, a consistent trend of students that despite being admitted to a college or university, do not go on to enroll in the fall. My advisor was persistent and compassionate in working with me to ensure that I took all the steps necessary to matriculate. As a first-generation student, having this initial support to even get to college was the most impactful.

Cecilia Macias - YVC Accessibility Coordinator

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Resources for First-Generation Students

YVC Guided Pathways Coordinator & English Instructor, Mark J. Fuzie recommends using available resources, “I was a first-generation college student. I’ve often thought of what I’d tell my 17-year-old self if I could go back in time. I’d tell myself to visit with my instructors during office hours, take advantage of the writing center, tutoring center, library group study areas, study groups in classes and all the other opportunities to bring out my social self. I thought I had to do it all by myself. Turns out I was wrong. My redemption is to pass this message on to you. All of these offerings YVC makes out of love for their students. Welcome to YVC. I wish you a wonderful experience.”