First Generation Programming and Community Outreach

The initiatives of the First Generation Project are:

• On and off campus events focusing on educating youth and their parents about post-secondary options
• Workshops on different post-secondary options, financial assistance, what to expect after high school, and applying to post-secondary as a mature student
• Encouraging First Generation students at TMU to engage in TMP's programming and supports 

In addition, we previously would host social & academic events for TMU FG Students ('Mix n Mingles' and Workshops with Learning Strategists),  and offer in-school peer tutoring for high school students.

Volunteers give their time and expertise in order to make a difference. Becoming a First Generation Volunteer can help you:

• Develop your ability to motivate others
• Build upon your employability skills
• Foster your self-esteem and self-confidence
• Make a difference in someone’s life
• Meet new people
• Fine tune your public speaking skills
• Increase your networking contacts

Paying for School - Understanding the definitions

Career Boost Program

Through this program, TMU offers part-time, on-campus employment that is available to students each year. Hourly rates vary depending on the nature of the job. Examples include mentoring leads, department and faculty office assistants, research assistants, recreation workers and student ambassadors. View current opportunities available on the Career and Co-op Centre website. (opens in new window) 

Entrance Scholarship

Students do not have to directly apply to this scholarship. If a student is eligible, they are automatically selected by the post-secondary institution the student is attending.

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Money that is temporarily lent to a student to help pay for the cost of education. OSAP is a loan and is meant to supplement the student’s other financial resources. Loan amounts vary based on different criteria. OSAP is interest-free while the student is attending a post-secondary institution full-time. However, 6 months after the student is no longer full-time, the student must begin to pay back the loan.

Note: sometimes students are eligible for grants through OSAP as well, depending on their financial need and other factors like whether they are a student with a disability.

Scholarship / Bursary / Grant / Award

Money that is given to a student based on financial need. Academic achievement and community involvement may be considered when awarding a bursary. Students do not need to repay this.

Who is a First Generation Student?

A First Generation student is defined as someone whose parent(s)/guardian(s) did not attend or obtain a post-secondary education anywhere in the world. Post-secondary education includes college, university or apprenticeship.

What is the purpose of the First Generation Project?

The purpose of the First Generation Project (FG) is to increase the number of First Generation students in the post-secondary education system, whether it is in college, university, or in an apprenticeship program.

For Post-Secondary Students: The FG Project also assists students who are already attending a post-secondary institution. The FG Project offers continued support in the form of information sharing about scholarships and bursaries, networking, volunteer opportunities, and social events.

For High School Students and Youth: The FG project motivates students in high school, as well as youth who are currently out of school, in pursuing their education past high school. Through the services it provides, the FG Project helps students explore their future academic and career options.

What type of services does the First Generation Project offer?

The First Generation Project offers a variety of services such as:

Providing students with information about different post-secondary options such as college, university, and apprenticeships:

• Assisting students with how to apply to colleges, universities, or apprenticeships
• Providing tips on budgeting and offering advice on how to finance post-secondary education
• Providing networking opportunities for students to meet people in the same field of study
• Opportunities to speak with student mentors who are in, or who recently graduated from, a post-secondary institution

Volunteer opportunities:

• Events aimed at preparing students to enter the post-secondary environment (i.e. campus tours, what to expect in a post-secondary classroom, student mentors who share their experience of going to a post-secondary institution etc.)

Are there any fees for these services?

No, these services are free. However, on campus events for community youth must be booked in advance as we typically only host 2-3 per semester.

What are the benefits of participating in the First Generation Project?

• Receive personalized assistance with your academic planning
• Get all your questions answered about post-secondary education by our knowledgeable students and staff
• Explore your post-secondary options in an interactive environment
• Set your own goals and figure out what you want, where you want to go, and how you're going to get there on your own with guidance from our staff

Who can participate in the various events and programming that are held through the First Generation Project?

Any students in high school, or youth who are part of the agencies that we currently have partnerships with, are eligible to participate in our programming.

Tri-Mentoring Program general email

tri_mentoring@torontomu.ca (opens in new window)