As a first-generation/low-income (FGLI) student, you bring hard work, resilience, and unique lived experiences as well as the intellectual curiosity and dedication that will help you excel here at Yale. During this time, you might face unique challenges in navigating the expectations and resources. Adjusting to college life can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
Understanding the “Hidden Curriculum”
Every university has its own culture and “hidden curriculum”— unspoken rules and norms that can be difficult to figure out on your own. Some aspects of the “hidden curriculum” are embedded in the following questions that many FGLI students engage with:
- What are office hours? Why should I go to them? What should I talk about?
- What is the difference between high school math homework and college-level problem sets? Why do I need to meet with other students and faculty to complete them?
- What’s a residential college dean? What’s a FroCo? What is a college advisor? Who should I go to for what advice?
- How do I balance paid work and my studies?
- When and how should I plan for summer study abroad and internships?
The Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) will help you answer these questions and support you at Yale. Our goal is to guide you through resources and opportunities to empower you to make the most of your Yale experience.
FGLI Thrive: Workshops & Events
FGLI Thrive Events consist of experiences designed to help students take advantage of resources on campus. Workshops cover a range on topics such as leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, networking for careers, and more.
The program is managed by Josh Faires, Assistant Director for FGLI Student Success.
FGLI Thrive: Peer Mentorship
FGLI Thrive places first-year and sophomore FGLI students in small peer mentorship groups led by a junior or senior FGLI mentor. FGLI mentors share their experiences and help you develop strategies to achieve your goals at Yale. Peer mentorship groups meet regularly throughout the academic school year.
FGLI Thrive peer mentorship groups serve as a safe space for students to talk about their lived experiences, make friends, and get support while receiving information about the resources and opportunities at Yale.
OEO: Workshops & Consultations
OEO workshsops and 1-1 consultations are FGLI friendly. The majority of OEO mentors identify as FGLI and represent the full diversity of the undergraduate population. Workshops aim to demystify Yale’s “hidden curriculum” and help students navigate resources and opportunities on campus. Our workshops cover everything from talking with faculty to planning for study abroad and pre-professional opportunities.
Upcoming Events
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Family Weekend FGLI Picnic
Meet your Yale alumni family during Yale Family Weekend at the 8th annual 1stGenYale Alumni & FGLI Students Picnic, co-sponsored by FGLI Thrive. At the picnic, alumni will share their experiences when they were at Yale, and now as alumni. Come with questions about how they navigated their four years or more as students. -
STEM Navigators: Study Hall
Come complete your p-sets, study, and meet your peers in your STEM courses. Snacks and peer mentors are here to help you with any questions about majors, summer opportunities, or classes to take in the future! Mentors will also serve as accountability buddies to make sure you stay on track during the study hall and achieve your academic goals! NOTE: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors!
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ASP w/ Fellowships and Funding Office - Imagining Your Summer
Thinking about summer study abroad, fellowship opportunities, or professional internships–but don’t know where to start? Come to this session to hear from students who have done these things & staff whose job it is to help you get these things! You will leave this session with a clearer idea of what is possible, and a solid understanding of what resources could be available to you to make it h…
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ASP Workshop - How to Get Through Midterms and Become an Academic Baddie Again
It’s not too late to reset! This workshop helps you reflect on what’s working this semester, shift what isn’t, and build a plan for a stronger second half. Led by ASP Peer Mentors who know the power of small changes and second starts.
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Senior Thesis Power Hours
Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for: - Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks - Delicious snacks + seltzer water - 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!) - the camaraderie…
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ASP Workshop - How to Participate in Class Discussions
Speaking in class doesn’t have to mean having all the answers! In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn how to prepare yourself to speak up in class, and practice strategies for contributing meaningfully to discussion. Afterward, stay as long as you like to reflect or prep, with support from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors.
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ASP Workshop - How to Prepare for a Presentation
Whether you’re giving a formal talk or leading class discussion, public speaking takes practice. In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn preparation and performance strategies that help you feel more in control—and more like yourself. Want to rehearse or get feedback? Stay afterward and work with ASP Peer Mentors as long as you like.
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Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons
Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. -
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons
Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors - sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome.
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ASP Workshop - How to Manage a Heavy Reading Load
When the reading piles up, it can be hard to know where to start—or how to keep up. This workshop introduces practical strategies for prioritizing, previewing, and staying engaged with your reading without spending every waking hour on it. You’ll leave with a toolkit for reading more effectively and efficiently, developed and tested by students who’ve been there.
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ASP Workshop - How to Organize Your Time
Time management isn’t just about being busy—it’s about making time for what matters. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn strategies for balancing your coursework, extracurriculars, and life outside of Yale. With the help of ASP Peer Mentors, you’ll explore different approaches to scheduling, planning, and managing overwhelm—then start crafting a system that works for you.
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DPMP: Autism Discussion Group
Join us for an informal, student-led discussion on navigating Yale as an autistic student. Whether you want to join the conversation, share your experiences, or just listen in, all are welcome.
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ASP Workshop - How to Organize Your Time
Time management isn’t just about being busy—it’s about making time for what matters. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn strategies for balancing your coursework, extracurriculars, and life outside of Yale. With the help of ASP Peer Mentors, you’ll explore different approaches to scheduling, planning, and managing overwhelm—then start crafting a system that works for you.
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STEM Navigators: Study Hall
Come complete your p-sets, study, and meet your peers in your STEM courses. Snacks and peer mentors are here to help you with any questions about majors, summer opportunities, or classes to take in the future! Mentors will also serve as accountability buddies to make sure you stay on track during the study hall and achieve your academic goals! NOTE: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors!
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FGLI Sunday Social @ MENA
Take a break, unwind, and recharge at FGLI Sunday Social! Hosted by FGLI Thrive, this weekly hangout rotates between different campus partner locations. Stop by for a chill afternoon of board games, crafts, snacks, and great company with fellow FGLI students. Whether you’re here to relax, get creative, or connect with FGLI Ambassadors, this space is all about you—building community and ta…
We’re here to help!
Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.