UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — First-generation University Park Penn Staters are invited to apply to the inaugural class of the Eta Psi chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-gen college students. Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni who attended the University Park campus are invited to learn more and apply at success.psu.edu. The deadline to apply for the inaugural class is Feb. 2, 2024. 

Penn State defines a first-generation student as an undergraduate student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree. 

Tri-Alpha was founded in 2018 at Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has since grown to 229 chapters as of fall 2023. Those accepted into the honor society receive a lifetime membership, leadership, career and academic opportunities, a certificate and pin at initiation and public recognition of their induction. Members will have the chance to grow their academic and professional networks and connect with engagement opportunities such as research.

“The new Tri-Alpha chapter at University Park will celebrate the academic achievements of our first-generation students, faculty and staff as well as increase visibility, networking opportunities and mutual support of the first-generation community at Penn State,” said Melissa Johnson, associate vice provost and associate dean of Undergraduate Education. “A sense of belonging is key for the success of first-generation students and the presence of a Tri-Alpha chapter on the University Park campus, in conjunction with other first-generation programs, events and organizations across the institution, will communicate to potential and current students that Penn State welcomes, supports and celebrates first-generation college students.” 

Denise Poole, director of the Student Success Center in the office of Undergraduate Education, said, “Tri-Alpha will help first-generation students at University Park to expand their network while developing the skills and competencies that will support a successful career and life. The Student Success Center, in collaboration with other student support offices, such as Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring, Career Services, Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, and the Student Engagement Network, will champion Tri-Alpha members through mentorship, engagement and holistic development opportunities to foster equitable pathways to success.” 

Tri-Alpha also will provide a built-in community for first-generation students who are changing campuses (e.g., 2+2 students) or those transferring to Penn State from another institution with a Tri-Alpha chapter.

Eta Psi is the third Tri-Alpha chapter at Penn State, with chapters already established at Penn State Abington and Penn State Lehigh Valley. A chapter will be launching at Penn State Altoona in the near future. 

The University Park chapter of Tri-Alpha is the beneficiary of the Student Success Center’s GivingTuesday campaign. 

Membership and eligibility 

Current Penn State students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to apply. In addition to submitting a brief statement of interest, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Currently enrolled undergraduate students must have: 

• Earned at least 42 credits toward a bachelor’s degree by the end of the fall 2023 semester. 
• At least a 3.2 cumulative GPA.
• A recommendation submitted by a current Penn State faculty or staff member. 

Currently enrolled master’s or doctoral students must have: 

• Earned at least 18 credits toward a master’s degree by the end of the fall 2023 semester.
• At least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
• A recommendation submitted by a current Penn State faculty or staff member. 

Current Penn State staff, administration or faculty members must have: 

• Be employed in their current role for at least two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) by the end of the fall 2023 semester (spring and fall).  
• Have a recommendation from a current first-generation Penn State student at the primary level at which they instruct, advise or otherwise support (an undergraduate or graduate student).  
• Identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success. 

Alumni who completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree at University Park and wish to join Tri-Alpha need a recommendation submitted by a current member of the Penn State community, such as faculty, staff or student, and identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success. 

For further details and to apply, visit success.psu.edu. The deadline to apply is Feb. 2, 2024. 

About the Student Success Center 

The Student Success Center is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education. The Student Success Center opened in 2019 and is located at 325 Boucke Building on the University Park campus. The center supports undergraduate students and their advocates by contributing to a University-wide culture of care and assisting students as they strive toward academic goals and degree completion.