first-generation

Leah Moore, a first-generation college student, found her calling in public health after enrolling at George Mason University, where she’s now studying community health and nutrition.

From improving underserved communities’ care to supporting faculty research on women living with HIV, Janell Addo-Boateng, MPH ’25, gained hands-on experience in policy, evaluation, and communication.

By working directly with refugee families, Master of Science in Health Informatics student Shreeyukti
Rana harnesses the power of community connection in shaping meaningful, data-informed solutions.

Rocío Rodríguez Morales, MSW ‘25, a first-generation student, found support and community at George Mason as she forged a new career path with her third degree.

George Mason University’s Honors College prepares its students to be at the forefront of the world’s challenges, shaping them into the problem solvers and peacemakers of tomorrow. Alum Alex Neuman (International Politics; Russian and Eurasian Studies, ‘20) was working under a Title 8 Fellowship with the U.S. Department of State last Summer. In this position, he relocated to Poland while studying Ukrainian. In August, Neuman sat down with the Honors Communications Team to discuss his public service career, his experience in the Honors College, and the positive change he hopes to spark amidst the growing Ukrainian conflict.

Born and raised in Paris, France, Ava Uppal, BS Marketing ’19, fondly recalls baking with her mother and turning simple ingredients into heartfelt memories. Now, as a part-time MBA student and a working mother of two, she’s a small business owner and author of a new cookbook.

Alizé Rubiera is the first ADVANCE Mason Virginia Promise student to enroll at the university. She comes to George Mason from Germanna Community College.

BS in Community Health graduate Kristen Alleyne accredits her College of Public Health courses for giving her the skills and confidence to excel in diverse public health settings.

A team from George Mason University is using augmented reality (AR) to create a smartphone app that will provide first-generation ADVANCE students with a virtual campus tour of the Fairfax Campus as they prepare to transfer from Northern Virginia Community College.

Mason’s Honors College and Early Identification Program (EIP) promote access to inclusive excellence. EIP serves first-gen high school students and offers programming such as the College Application Coaches program. EIP alumni entering the Honors College are awarded full tuition scholarships. The partnership strengthens EIP’s mission of educating the whole student and advances the Honors College’s commitment to increasing access to transformative academic, civic, and professional experiences.