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.
First Gen Forward Network Member
In 2025, Austin Peay State University joined the FirstGen Forward Network, a national
recognition that highlights APSU’s strong commitment to helping first-generation college
students succeed.
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!
What Will I Learn?
The Purpose First Scholars program is built around the NACE competencies—skills that employers look for in college graduates. NACE stands for the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Through the program, you’ll develop:
Critical Thinking / Problem Solving: Learn to analyze information and make smart decisions.
Professionalism / Work Ethic: Build habits like reliability, responsibility, and time management.
Teamwork / Collaboration: Practice working well with others to reach shared goals.
Career Management: Explore career paths, set goals, and create a resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn
profile.
Communication: Strengthen your written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
Leadership: Learn to take initiative, guide a team, and make a positive impact.
Technology: Gain confidence using professional tools and software effectively.
Perks of Purpose First Scholars
Early registration before other freshman students
Individual, monthly success coaching from a College Possible Student Success Coach
Chance to earn a $250 textbook stipend for the Spring based on program performance
and participation
Exclusive workshops and events just for Purpose First Scholars students
Exclusive giveaways and swag
Make friends and build community with like-minded peers
2026-2027 General Program Timeline
May/June 2026, TBA : Exclusive overnight GO (Governors Orientation) experience
June-August, 2026: Participation in summer zoom series teaches important skills necessary for success
as a college student
August 2026: GO Weekend and 2nd Orientation Experience
Fall Semester 2026: Enrollment in a special UNIV 1000 section designed for Purpose First Scholars students
Spring Semester 2027: Enrollment in UNIV 2100 to further develop career skills
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.
