Aggie First Scholars Celebrates a Decade of First-Generation Student Impact

The Center for Academic Belonging and Learning Excellence's Aggie First Scholars is a student success program dedicated to supporting the persistence and achievement of first-generation college students at Utah State University.

A decade ago, Executive Director Heidi Kesler and an ambitious first-generation student, Felipe Casteñada, created a community for first-generation students to thrive. At the time, the program served a handful of students, in contrast to its current 350 first-year students for the 2026-27 academic year.

Ten years ago, a philosophy first-year student Federico Ortiz was concerned about how he was going to navigate college and uncertain what this new path he was carving would mean for his future. With encouragement from an advisor, he joined Aggie First Scholars.

“Aggie First Scholars provided me a community of people who were in my corner,” Ortiz said.

All first-generation students are invited to participate in mentorship, networking, and the socials Aggie First Scholars offers. The heart of the program is its peer mentorship. Students who participate receive a first-generation student peer mentor who is in the same college. They attend meals at the dining hall, study together, and attend USU functions.

Education graduate Alaska Martinez said: “One of the biggest memories I have from this place (USU) is meeting my mentor and having someone to check-in with me.”

Although her family encouraged her, they could not always answer questions about the college system they had never experienced; the mentorship program filled that gap for her.

Alum Bjorn Rodriguez, who studied biology in his undergrad, remembers his mentor and other First Scholars such as René Hernandez. Hernandez helped him navigate campus, use Canvas, and connect with tutoring. Casteñada helped him understand course choices and the path toward medical school.

“It was really nice to have those mentors there to show me the ropes,” Rodriguez said.

Lydia Lopez, an English major alumna, balanced college with multiple jobs and raising a young child. With little time to build friendships on her own, the program’s meals, events, and supportive people became meaningful parts of her experience.

“Just having people in AFS just willing to listen and just bounce ideas off of,” Lopez said, “that was massive for me.”

While many students who participated in the program found mentorship crucial for their academic belonging, many others also found that it was where they found their launchpad for leadership. Lopez became a mentor in her second year. As a mentor, she stepped outside her comfort zone and developed leadership and empathy. The opportunity empowered her to offer others the support she had received as a mentee.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of the Ivory Foundation, Hansen Foundation and the Cross Charitable Foundation, Aggie First Scholars provides scholarships for 20 second-year students, 5 third-years, and 5 fourth-years who demonstrate high engagement in the program. Ortiz attributed his scholarship to easing the pressure of balancing work and school.

Today, these alumni carry their experiences into different careers and communities.

Martinez teaches business at Weber High School, where she encourages students to explore college and career opportunities.

Rodriguez is a resident physician at the University of Missouri and a Utah National Guard field surgeon and captain. Applying skills he gained as an Aggie First Scholars mentor, he also mentors medical students. He carries forward the encouragement and guidance he received at USU.

Ortiz works as a congressional campaign manager. He credits his education and programs such as Aggie First Scholars at Utah State for preparing him for his professional path.

Lopez applies her writing skills in marketing. Her younger sister is now an Aggie First Scholar, continuing the program’s connection to her family.

As Aggie First Scholars celebrates 10 years, its impact continues through alumni who are helping others find their way. Their stories show how a community’s investment in one student can create opportunities for generations to come.

As Federico Ortiz said: “It’s worth the time. It’s worth the investment. And it is worth every moment.”