UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Sloan Householder, of Richmond, Virginia, decided to pursue higher education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, she was understandably nervous about navigating a large university. A first-year seminar class created with first-generation students like her in mind made all the difference during Householder’s first year, she said.
“I was feeling pretty anxious and found myself worrying about engagement and finding opportunities at Penn State,” said Householder, now a second-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management. “I also felt like I was at a disadvantage because I don’t have my family to help navigate me through this process.”
Householder noted that her first-year seminar, AG 297: First-Generation, First-Year Engagement and Student Success, was instrumental in helping her find and leverage the extensive resources available to first-generation students. The class also helped ease her transition to student life and made her feel more comfortable about getting involved on campus. Householder also wanted to meet other first-gen students.
“The class is meant to aid your navigation and transition into college life without the family experiences most other students have,” she said.
Tammy Shannon, academic advising coordinator for the environmental resource management program, explained that the seminar was offered for the first time during the fall 2023 semester. The course was created for first-generation college students whose parents or guardians have not graduated with a four-year degree.
“This course helps students get connected to resources and opportunities and learn outside of the classroom,” Shannon said. “We engage with different sites and bring in first-gen faculty, staff, alumni and students. We also have conversations around food, service and community, provide the chance to participate with the Penn State Student Success Center, and more.”
The course is an interactive experience for students in the college as well as in the Division of Undergraduate Studies.
Shannon noted that during a recent graduation ceremony, University President Neeli Bendapudi recognized first-gen students as trailblazers.
“First-generation students bring amazing attributes to the University,” Shannon said. “We’re dedicated to helping them navigate their time at Penn State, and it’s a privilege to see them thrive.”
One of Householder’s favorite parts of the class was a trip to the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm.
“We first harvested our vegetables and later made a meal from what we had gathered,” Householder said. “I thought it was such a fun way to connect with my classmates while also being involved in agriculture.”
During her first year on campus, Householder found a passion for sustainable agriculture and supporting healthy, vibrant communities. She is looking forward to returning to the Student Farm in the fall as an intern.
“I fell in love with its mission as a local organic farm right on campus,” she said. “Sustainability in our food systems is so important to the environment, our health and the local community. I’m thrilled to be a part of such a great organization full of students and staff who also share a passion for organic local agriculture. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me at the Student Farm.”
Householder completed her associate degree in social science in high school through a dual enrollment program. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she hopes to further her education by attending graduate school to pursue a degree in soil science or natural resource conservation. Her ultimate career goal is a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service as a soil conservationist who helps landowners better manage their land.
“Sloan has a genuine interest in making a difference in the world,” Shannon said. “Her enthusiasm and engagement led to an internship at the Student Farm after only one semester at University Park. She’s creative and committed to environmental science and sustainable agriculture issues. Sloan is an asset to the development of sustainable food systems, community and healthy environments.”
Householder added, “I chose Penn State because I knew attending one of the first institutions to offer agriculture degrees would provide me with countless opportunities to meet with exceptional faculty, alumni and like-minded students. I feel the College of Agricultural Sciences does a great job educating students about internships and research on and off-campus, which is something I considered heavily when applying to colleges.”
Students may schedule AG 297: First-Generation, First-Year Engagement and Student Success in LionPATH. The course is limited to 15 seats and is open to College of Agricultural Sciences and Division of Undergraduate Studies students. Questions can be directed to Tammy Shannon at tmb5352@psu.edu.