A Connected Kickback: Forging Bonds with 1stGenYale & Cultural Connections 2021

For the second year in a row, 1stGenYale was part of Cultural Connections, a pre-orientation program that introduces first-year students to Yale’s cultural resources and diverse student body, with a focus on the experiences of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Many incoming Yale students who identify as first-generation have found community through QuestBridge and First-year Scholars at Yale (FSY) — but the majority of first-gen students at Yale do not participate in either of these programs. Thanks to Rayan Semery-Palumbo '19, a former Cultural Connections participant and counselor, 1stGenYale was able to continue its partnership with Cultural Connections and welcome more first-gen students to Yale through an evening of mentoring, discussions, and the sharing of stories and interests.