Opening doors: The power of first generation programs

At Seminole State College of Florida, the First Generation Program, fondly referred to as First Gen, is more than a support system—it serves as a launchpad for students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. Seminole State serves about 2,400 First Gen students.

By offering mentorship, resources, and a keen sense of community, the program empowers students to navigate college life with confidence and chart a path toward lifelong success.

This initiative demonstrates the College’s dedication to fostering an environment where first-generation students can achieve their goals.

If neither of your parents earned a bachelor’s degree, that makes you 
a First Generation student — and Seminole State is here for you. 

According to Program Coordinator Ashley Maddox, “We recognize that first-generation students face unique challenges as they manage the complexities of higher education. Students, often the first in their families to attend college, carry not only their personal aspirations but also the hopes of their families and communities. Understanding this, we have designed the First Gen Program and the Wayne M. Densch First Generation Scholarship to provide the crucial support students need to succeed academically and personally.”

A Holistic Approach

A key strength of the First Gen Program is its dedicated advising team. Unlike traditional academic advisors, the team consists of specialists who are cross-trained in financial aid processes, allowing them to provide a more comprehensive level of guidance. This targeted support ensures that students not only understand their academic pathways but also have access to financial resources that can ease their college journey. By bridging the gap between academic advising and financial aid, Seminole State creates a seamless experience that empowers students to make informed decisions about their education.

Beyond academic guidance, advisors prioritize holistic student development through First Generation Skill Sessions. More than instructional sessions, these workshops foster a sense of belonging and encourage personal and academic growth. They inspire learning and connection, helping students build confidence and develop the skills they need to thrive in college and beyond. 

Wayne M. Densch Charities play a significant role in the success of the First Gen students through the Wayne M. Densch First Generation Scholarship. The scholarship provides critical financial support, and the donors are actively engaged in selecting students for the award. As part of the process, scholarship candidates participate in interviews, ensuring recipients are both financially deserving and deeply committed to their educational journey. 

"Len and Marilyn Williams from Wayne M. Densch Charities, are truly wonderful individuals who deeply care about our students,” said Maddox. “Every fall, they attend welcome events to meet new scholars and personally encourage them on their journey. In the spring, they reconnect with students to hear about their progress—what is going well, what challenges they are facing, and learn more of their goals and aspirations. Their involvement extends beyond financial support; they provide motivation, mentorship, and a genuine interest in student success.”

Underscoring that focus on student success is the fact that First Generation students who receive the Densch scholarship at Seminole State have fall-to-fall retention rates that are 25%-30% higher than all new students for the same year. Additionally, they experience degree completion rates that are 20%-32% higher than all new students.

Meet Jerica Desarmes, Wayne Densch Scholar

At the encouragement of her family, Jerica Desarmes earned her GED at Seminole State in December 2023 and then transferred into the A.A. degree program in 2024. She is currently working on her A.A. degree and majoring in criminal justice with a target graduation date of 2026. 

“I felt very welcomed right from the beginning. So many people were in my corner to elevate me to better in school,” recalls Desarmes. 

“It is so refreshing to have a solid support system in so many areas such as test-taking skills, peer events to share similar experiences, and advisors and professors who are truly invested in my success.”

Desarmes is currently working a full-time job and taking three courses at Seminole State. She plans to continue her coursework through the Summer Term for a consistent pace and structure to provide flexibility and focus on her goals. For her, balance is more than a catchphrase—it’s essential to staying on track and reaching her goals of elevating her qualifications for better job opportunities and exploring careers in corrections or professional legal services.

“I’ve come to realize how important education really is. Being part of the First Gen Program and going through the scholarship process was the first time I pushed myself this hard—and I’m genuinely proud of what I accomplished. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the extra support along the way,” Desarmes continued.

“If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say to stay optimistic and challenge yourself to do better. The sky is the limit. Don’t downplay your dreams and aspirations. You are already a great person and deserve a better life and education.”

Meet Ashley Maddox, First Gen Advocate

As the program coordinator of the First Generation Program at Seminole State, Maddox often comments that it is a privilege to guide and support these remarkable students. Being a first-generation college graduate herself; she understands firsthand the challenges and pressures faced. Her journey through higher education was filled with uncertainty, but also with determination and the support of mentors who helped her succeed. This personal connection fuels her passion for creating a program that not only provides academic and financial resources but also fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement. Maddox’s career at Seminole State spans more than 22 years across a variety of roles, each one guiding her toward a focused mission: to serve as an advocate, mentor, and source of inspiration for First Gen students—ensuring they know they’re never alone on their journey.