First Generation and Low Income Students

Welcome, we’re here to celebrate and support all facets of your identity, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths that come with being the first in your family to pursue higher education. Explore this page to find valuable information, resources, and opportunities designed specifically for you. Whether you’re looking for academic support, financial assistance, or a sense of belonging, the Gordon Career Center staff is here to help you thrive. Together, we can navigate this journey and achieve success.

Featured Articles

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Ask the FGLI Career Advisors: Rebirth

First-generation/low-income staff at the Gordon Career Center answer the question: How have you experienced a rebirth in your career? What advice do you have for FGLI students going through the same thing?

This column was featured on the Spring 2026 …

By Gordon Career Center

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“Rebirth” | Bite the Hand – FGLI Magazine

Check out the Spring 2026 issue of Bite the Hand – the Rebirth theme.

Be sure to read the column Ask the FGLI Career Advisors, where FGLI staff at the Gordon Career Center answer the question: How have you experienced …

By Gordon Career Center

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“Nostalgia” | Bite the Hand – FGLI Magazine

Check out the Fall 2025 issue of Bite the Hand – the Nostalgia theme.

Bite the Hand is the first FGLI (First Generation to college and/or Low-Income) student-magazine at Wesleyan that allows students to express themselves through various means, such …

By Gordon Career Center

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Academy Gold Rising Talent Development Program

The Academy is committed to inspiring all young artists and creating meaningful opportunities for all communities to engage with the …

Parker Dewey

Looking for a short-term, remote experience? Check out Parker Dewey Micro-Internships.

Through these short-term, paid, project-centered experiences, you can demonstrate …

What else can I do this summer?

When college students think about the summer, they often default to internships or summer jobs. These are fine options, including …

McNair Program

Wesleyan’s Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program assists first-generation low income students in preparing for, entering and progressing successfully through post-graduate …

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF)

MMUF at Wesleyan

Wesleyan’s Mellon Program has been in existence since 1989. Our Mellon Mays Fellows have earned the PhD …

Second Day

At Second Day, we are dedicated to catalyzing the potential of emerging leaders in the social impact sector.

Founded on …

FirstGen Fellows

Phone: 860-685-2180
Email: careercenter@wesleyan.edu
Website: http://careercenter.wesleyan.edu
Address: Boger Hall
41 Wyllys Avenue
Middletown, CT 06459

Monday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday	9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sharon Belden Castonguay
Executive Director, Gordon Career Center Meet Sharon

Rachel Munafo
Director of Operations Meet Rachel

Holly Robinson
Business Career Advisor Meet Holly

Ladd Flock
Associate Director of Career Advising (Science & Mathematics - STEM) Meet Ladd

Pam Grande
Associate Director for Career Advising (Arts & Humanities) Meet Pam

Camille McGadney
Law and Social Impact Career Advisor Meet Camille

Emma Czarnecki
Career Advisor Meet Emma

Yashoda Sharma
Health Professions & Life Sciences Career Advisor Meet Yashoda

Sarah McNamara
Associate Director for Employer Relations Meet Sarah

Tess Hamilton-Ward
Assistant Director for Employer Relations Meet Tess

Allison Soden
Associate Director for Campus Employment Meet Allison

Cruz Cruz
Assistant Director for Campus Employment Meet Cruz

Anne Santaniello
Associate Director for Alumni Career Programs Meet Anne

Darwin Pappas-Fernandes
Health Professions Administrative Assistant Meet Darwin

Ali McFadzen
Administrative Assistant Meet Ali