Purpose First Scholars Learning Community

What Is Purpose First Scholars?

Purpose First Scholars is a free, award-winning program for first-generation freshmen at Austin Peay. It’s a one year career-focused learning community that helps you adjust to college, explore career paths, and build the skills you need to succeed—in school and beyond. You’ll be part of a supportive group of students, staff, and mentors who are here to help you every step of the way.

Our program has proven results: From Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, Purpose First Scholars persisted at a rate of roughly 87% compared to 82% for non-Purpose First students.

NASPA Silver Excellence Award

In 2023, Purpose First Scholars received the NASPA Silver Excellence Award for First-Generation Student Support, making the Purpose First Scholars program at Austin Peay a top recognized initiative in the nation for supporting first-generation college students.

Why Join Purpose First Scholars?

By the end of your one year as a Purpose First Scholar, you will have:

• A professional portfolio that includes a polished résumé, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and a ready-to-go elevator pitch
• Knowledge of the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) competencies and how you can develop relevant skills that employers are looking for while in college, regardless of your major or career path.
• Clarity on how your major connects to your career goals—including job responsibilities, income expectations, and required skills
• Access to exclusive workshops on academic success, financial literacy, and career readiness
• A supportive community of fellow first-generation students navigating college together
• Meaningful connections with faculty and staff who are invested in your journey
• Hands-on experience with networking and mock interviews
• All at no cost to you—this program is fully funded through external support!

Perks of Purpose First Scholars

2025-2026 General Program Timeline

1. May 30-31, 2025: Exclusive overnight GO (Governors Orientation) experience

2. June-August, 2025: Participation in summer zoom series that teaches important skills necessary for success as a college student

3. August 2025: GO Weekend and 2nd Orientation Experience

4. Fall Semester 2025: Enrollment in a special UNIV 1000 section designed for Purpose First Scholars students

5. Spring Semester 2026: Enrollment in UNIV 2100 to further develop career skills

6. Throughout the year: Career readiness events, community-building activities, and one-on-one meetings with the program coordinator

Am I Eligible?

You're eligible if you:

• Are a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian graduated with a four-year degree, even if a sibling has)
• Are an incoming first-time, full time freshman for the Fall semester or a transfer student with less than 12 credit hours earned
• Are NOT an online only student
• Are NOT participating in Honors, President's Emerging Leaders Program (PELP), ENGAGE LLC, any business or art LLCs, Full-Spectrum Learning (FSL), Govs Success Institute (GSI) or NCAA Athletics

How to Apply

We are pleased to announce that the program is full for the 2025-2026 school year!

If you are a student enrolling for Fall 2026, you may apply using the link below.

Interested in Getting Involved as a First-Generation Student? Consider Joining G1Govs or Tri-Alpha!

G1Govs is an organization for all first-generation college students attending APSU. Student leaders plan and lead events to build a sense of community among first-generation Govs. Join for fun, friends, and festivities!

Tri-Alpha is an honor society for high-achieving first-generation students. Eligible students are sent an email to their APSU account each January. Undergraduate student eligibility includes earning at least 30 credit hours and a 3.2 GPA.

For more information about both of these programs, find their webpages on the sidebar to the left!

Questions? Connect With Us!

Meet Asia Pace, Assistant Director for First Generation Student Success Initiatives

Meet the Assistant Director for First Generation Student Success Initiatives, Asia Pace! Asia is an APSU alumna and native of Clarksville. Prior to her current position, Asia served as a Student Success Coach for two and a half years and as an Academic Advisor for about two years. Asia feels that her experience as a former Austin Peay student allows her to relate more closely with students and she is motivated by a strong desire to help students make the most of their college experience. Asia gives this advice to new Govs, “Get involved! College is full of unique experiences that you won’t get to have anywhere else”. What she loves the most about Austin Peay is that there’s always something fun to do on campus for anyone, regardless of their interest. Asia enjoys reading, shopping, and hanging out with her cats in her free time.

Asia Pace Assistant Director (931) 221-7735 paceak@apsu.edu

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