Your Gift Makes a Difference!
The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) was established in 2019 to ensure the academic success of SMU’s first-generation college students. We have observed through undergraduate exit surveys that financial obstacles are one of the most prevalent reasons first-generation students transfer out of SMU or take leaves of absence. We seek to provide first-generation undergraduate students with required textbooks and course materials. The books we purchase are given to students and returned at the end of the semester, meaning that your donation may financially impact multiple students who are struggling to cover the increasing costs of textbooks!
Gifts to the First-Generation Book and Course Materials Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, thanks to the generous support of Greg Lebedev and Suzanne Clark.
Donations are applied to...
FGI works to offset the costs of required textbooks and course materials through this fund, which is nearly 100% dependent upon donations. The books we purchase are given to students and returned at the end of the semester, meaning that your donation may financially impact multiple students who are struggling to cover the increasing costs of textbooks!
Making an impact:
Although we have increased the number of students we assist each semester, last fall, we had to deny nearly 50% of our applicants due to a lack of funding. Please join us in meeting this critical need!
Learn more about meaningful program updates and an exciting SMU Giving Day matching gift opportunity this year here.