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First-Generation, Lower-Income, and Undocumented/DACA Students

What is FGLI?

Pronounced "fig-lee," the acronym FGLI refers to first-generation and/or lower-income students.

First-generation college students who are first in their families to graduate from a four-year college or university. At Northwestern, we celebrate the strengths, assets, and leadership that our first-generation students, faculty, and staff bring to campus.

Lower-income students are usually (but not always) eligible for Pell Grants. At Northwestern, lower-income status is determined by financial aid and may not mirror how income is measured in the United States broadly.

Undocumented/DACA students living in the US without US citizenship or Permanent Residency and those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is a two-year program that allows for work authorization with a Social Security number, license, and state ID. DACA eligibility is not open to all undocumented students.

SES supports FGLI and undocumented/DACA students’ transition to Northwestern and Beyond

Student Enrichment Services (SES) is an office dedicated to enhancing the first generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA undergraduate student experience at Northwestern. SES works with these students to foster identity development, navigate campus resources, and build community. 

Through campus-wide partnerships and advocacy, SES strives to build an inclusive Northwestern community that is welcoming, supportive, and accessible for all students. 

Our dedicated staff can help connect you to FGLI communities and resources in our office and across campus and help make your transition to Northwestern successful. No question is too small or too big. SES also has a student facing space for FGLI students to study and hangout. We even have snacks and coffee/tea!  

Apply to the Summer Academic Workshop

Application Open: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 

Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 

Eligibility Requirements and More on the SAW website 

Northwestern University's Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) is a 3-week program taking place right before Wildcat Welcome. SAW is facilitated by Student Enrichment Services, in partnership with the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. During SAW, participants take part in co-curricular workshops and events curated for first-generation and/or lower-income (FGLI) students. Participants also earn course credit through the Cook Family Writing Program and the School of Communication. All co-curricular workshops and events complement what students learn in class and provide them with a wealth of resources for navigating college life. 

SAW is an all-cost covered program—including housing, meals, tuition, afternoon workshops, and weekend social opportunities. Students live together in a campus residence hall and experience Northwestern life under the mentorship of six upper-class peer counselors. Participants also move into their permanent residence hall earlier than the regular move-in date for incoming students.  Air travel for students living more than a 3-hour drive (about 150 miles) from campus will be arranged and paid for by SAW. 

Attend SES’ Open House during Wildcat Welcome 

The annual SES Open House celebrates our first generation, lower-income, and/undocumented/DACA students and their families on the first day of Wildcat Welcome. During the event, you can connect with other students, learn more about SES, and receive a Welcome Kit to help with your transition to campus life (sheets, towels, washcloths, water bottles, and more). Check your email for more information this summer! We can’t wait to meet you! 

Getting involved in FGLI programs and communities 

SES’s website, programs, workshops, and other events inform students about the range of resources they can use and the many connections they can make to support their success at Northwestern.