First-Generation Alumni Network
In 2018, the University of Virginia’s President Jim Ryan announced an institutional priority to promote first-generation student success at UVA. Since then, the UVA Alumni Association has rooted and grown a network of first-generation alumni to enhance the UVA first-gen experience on Grounds and beyond. First-Generation Alumni Network (FGAN) volunteers serve current UVA students in mentorship and networking capacities, in addition to providing a comfortable point of contact for prospective students to learn about UVA.
Virginia Alumni Admission Network
The Virginia Alumni Admission Network (VAAN) is currently comprised of over 300 enthusiastic Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latinx alumni trained to have specific conversations with underrepresented students in various regions of the country. VAAN chapters are currently rooted in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New England, NYC, Northern New Jersey, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Richmond, and the Tidewater area of Virginia. Volunteers are connecting with these prospective students via college fairs, evening programs, and admission events, and help support the Office of Undergraduate Admission’s goal of recruiting students to UVA.
How can you help?
Volunteer
Participate in seasonal opportunities for alumni to support VAAN and FGAN efforts, including:
- Extending outreach to underrepresented prospective students, whether by connecting with high school students at local college fairs throughout the fall, or reaching out to admitted first-generation, Black/African-American, and Hispanic/Latinx students to congratulate them on their acceptance throughout the spring and summer
- Mentoring current first-gen UVA students on occasion throughout the academic year as an extension of the Hoos First support services within the Office of the Dean of Students or through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring group
- Contributing to networking efforts and posting employment opportunities for both first-gen students and fellow first-gen alumni all year long
Alumni, please sign up now to indicate your interest in cultivating these critical support networks!
Volunteer for First-Generation Alumni Network Volunteer for Virginia Alumni Admission Network
Connect a Student with UVA
Is there a student in your community interested in applying to UVA? Would they like to informally speak with an alum or someone in the Office of Admission? Our VAAN and FGAN volunteers are continually seeking ways to offer prospective students additional information about the admission process. Note, UVA does not offer alumni interviews as part of the undergraduate admission process.
Please register here to connect your interested student to the University.
Please also offer your interested student our brief landing page that may help them begin their inquiries at UVA.
Cultivate Alumni Action
Join the Outreach Admission Volunteers group on Wahoo Connect! Use the power of your UVA connections to meet like-minded alumni, share experiences, and put your energy toward areas where prospective students need our help most.
Join the Outreach Admission Volunteers group on Wahoo Connect