First-Generation Student Career
Leadership Society

Join a Thriving Community of First-Generation Students Nationwide

The First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is a unique society that has been designed to give first generation students and professionals the tools and resources needed to succeed in the competitive world of career and leadership development. Here’s how they’ll benefit:

Achieve Your Career and Leadership Goals with Confidence

The First Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is built on six core values that empower you to succeed and lead in every aspect of your life. With our comprehensive support system, you’ll gain access to the following:

Benefits of the Program

Joining the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society opens the door to a world of opportunities designed specifically for first-generation students. Here’s a look at the incredible benefits every member gains:

Join a Global Community of Like-Minded Students

As a member, you’ll become part of a supportive community of first-generation students worldwide who are driven to excel in their careers and make a positive impact as emerging leaders.

Access to Coaches, Mentors, and Industry Experts

Gain exclusive access to career coaches, successful professionals, inspiring speakers, and mentors from various industries. These individuals are dedicated to helping you achieve success during college and beyond.

Apply for Exclusive Financial Scholarships

Members have the opportunity to apply for annual financial scholarships offered through the program, providing additional support to help you reach your goals.

Engage In Top Tier Career and Lead Development Training

As a member, you will not only engage in top notch career and leadership development training, but you will be given the guidance, tools, and resources to ensure that you are ready to attain career success after graduation.

Unlock Valuable Member Perks

Enjoy a suite of member benefits, including a free book, digital journal, digital certificate for LinkedIn, letter of recommendation, and access to recordings from our career development sessions.

Explore Internship and Employment Opportunities

Take advantage of internship and job opportunities provided by our corporate partners who actively support our career leadership society.

Lead, Inspire, and Attend National Events

Step into leadership roles, impact the lives of others, and attend one of our national career and leadership experiences in Los Angeles, California, or Miami, Florida.

Take the First Step Towards a Successful Career

Are you ready to take control of your future and join a powerful community of first-generation leaders? The First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is here to help you build the career and leadership skills you need to succeed. Don’t wait—start your journey today by learning more about the process to becoming a member of the organization.

Join Community

Joining the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is a transformative step in your career and leadership journey. To become a member of this prestigious, life-long society, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Step 1

Schedule Meeting with the Leadership Team

Schedule a meeting with the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society leadership team. During this session, we’ll discuss the program details, outline associated costs, and explain how first-generation students can become involved in the career leadership society.

Email our team at circleofchangeleadconference@gmail.com to establish a meeting with our leadership team.

Step 2

Complete Virtual Career Development Sessions

Our leadership team has created eight career development sessions designed to prepare first generation students for career success after graduation.

New members are required to watch all the recordings, complete the career development packet, and submit it to our leadership team when it’s completed.

Students are free to work at their own pace over a year.

Step 3

Develop Eight Reflective Journal Entries

Stay on track with your personal growth by writing one reflective journal entry after each career development session within our first-generation student career and leadership society app.

New members will be provided access to the first-generation student career and leadership society app. after payment is received.

Step 4

Create Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

To ensure that the first-generation student career and leadership society can provide future internships and career opportunities with our partners, we ask that every future member to provide us with a resume and LinkedIn profile before they officially become a member.

Step 5

Participate in the Induction Celebration and Ceremony

Celebrate your achievements by participating in the induction ceremony. You can attend virtually on your campus, or at the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience event in the Spring.

Step 6

Receive a Digital Certificate and Letter of Recommendation

Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate and a letter of recommendation from our organization. Additionally, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources and a network of professionals within the career leadership society.

Step 7

Consider Becoming a Chapter Leader

As a next step, consider stepping into a leadership role by becoming a chapter leader for your campus community and surrounding area. This opportunity will allow you to guide and support future members as they embark on their journey.

Join Community

Joining the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is a transformative step in your career and leadership journey. To become a member of this prestigious, life-long society, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 1

Schedule Meeting with the Leadership Team

Schedule a meeting with the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society leadership team. During this session, we’ll discuss the program details, outline associated costs, and explain how first-generation students can become involved in the career leadership society.

Email our team at circleofchangeleadconference@gmail.com to establish a meeting with our leadership team.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 2

Become A Member

Once the meeting with our leadership team is complete, colleges, universities, or individual members will be invited to submit a one-time membership fee of $125. This investment grants a first-generation student full membership into the society, along with access to all of the valuable resources, opportunities, and benefits our organization provides.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 3

Complete the First-Gen. Student Career & Leadership Society Launch Form

The First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society Launch Form is a comprehensive membership tool designed to collect key information from each participant, identify their unique career development needs, and ensure they are informed about the wide range of career and leadership opportunities available throughout the year.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 4

Begin Your Journey As A New Member

Once the membership form is completed, first-generation students will receive an official welcome into the society. This welcome will include access to new member virtual sessions and recordings, the society app, and a variety of exclusive opportunities available within the organization.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 5

Engage in the In-Person or Virtual Induction

Each spring, the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society hosts a special induction experience for new members. This celebration is offered both virtually and in person, with the in-person induction taking place at the annual First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience in Miami, Florida.

College and University Partnerships

Our vision is to establish the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society on 50–100 college and university campuses in its inaugural year. To assist advisors in engaging their first-generation students with the program, we’ve created a clear, step-by-step process:

Initial Meeting with the Leadership Team:

Schedule a meeting with the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society leadership team. During this session, we’ll discuss the program details, outline associated costs, and explain how first-generation students can become involved in the career leadership society.

Partner Covers Initiation Costs:

Colleges and universities partner with the program by covering the initiation fees for their students. In return, students gain access to all program materials, including virtual events and coaching sessions.

Advisor Orientation:

Before the first virtual career development training in the Fall, the selected advisor participates in a one-hour virtual meeting to address questions and ensure their campus is prepared for the program.

Fall Program Engagement:

Students actively participate in virtual events and programs throughout the Fall semester, gaining valuable career and leadership skills.

Mid-Semester Advisor Check-In:

At the end of the Fall semester, advisors join a virtual meeting with our leadership team to discuss feedback, address any concerns, and prepare for Spring programming.

Spring Program Engagement:

Students continue participating in programs and events during the Spring semester, building on their experiences from the Fall.

Induction Ceremony Planning:

Advisors meet virtually with the leadership team to plan the induction ceremony and celebration, which can be hosted virtually, on campus, or during the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience.

Induction Ceremony and Celebration:

Celebrate student success with a formal induction ceremony. Colleges and universities can choose to host the event on campus, attend the virtual ceremony, or participate in the in-person celebration at the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience.

Membership Benefits:

Each student receives a digital certificate, a letter of recommendation, and access to all program recordings and resources, cementing their membership in the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society.

Advisor Feedback and Future Planning:

Advisors meet virtually to share their experiences, discuss strategies to engage more students in the coming year, and explore ways for student leaders to establish a campus chapter.

Chapter Launch Training:

Advisors interested in creating a campus chapter of the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society participate in dedicated training, empowering them to bring the program to life within their campus community.

Take the First Step Towards Bringing the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society to Your Campus Community

Are you ready to take control of your future and join a powerful community of first-generation leaders? The First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is here to help you build the career and leadership skills you need to succeed. Don’t wait—start your journey today by reaching out to our team at circleofchangeleadconference@gmail.com.

New Member Career Development Experience

The primary mission of the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society is to ensure that every first-generation student receives the training, guidance, mentorship, coaching, and resources necessary to achieve career and leadership success after graduation.

Outlined below is a step-by-step developmental pathway designed to help new members strengthen their career readiness and create a clear plan for long-term career success.

Members who complete this experience at their own pace will earn a certificate, medal, letter of recommendation, and a special gift from the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Experience.

Step 1

Complete Virtual Career Development Sessions

The First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society has created eight career development sessions designed to prepare first generation students for career success after graduation. 

New members who desire to position themselves for career success are encouraged to watch all the recordings, complete the career development packet, and submit it to our leadership team when they are complete. 

Students are free to work at their own pace.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 2

Develop Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Career experts and thought leaders consistently emphasize the powerful role that a strong résumé and LinkedIn profile play in securing opportunities within one’s desired career field.

As new members begin their journey with the First-Generation Student Career & Leadership Society and engage with our virtual career development resources, they are encouraged to develop a professional résumé and LinkedIn profile to share with our leadership team.

These materials will be used to connect members with corporate and organizational partners who are actively seeking talented candidates for internships and full-time opportunities.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 3

Share Eight Reflective Journal Entries

Stay on track with your personal growth by writing one reflective journal entry after each career development session within our first-generation student career and leadership society app. New members will be provided access to the first-generation student career and leadership society app. after payment is received.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 4

Receive Your Awards

Once new members have completed the career development experience, they will receive a certificate of completion, a letter of recommendation, and a commemorative medal. In addition, they will have the opportunity to be considered for a scholarship, which will be awarded during the virtual or in-person induction ceremony.

CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Step 5

Become A Leader

After completing the new member career development experience at your own pace, you will have the opportunity to become a Campus Ambassador for the society.

As a Campus Ambassador, you will engage in monthly leadership activities, help expand our impact by supporting more first-generation students, represent you college or university, and contribute to the development of innovative and impactful programming designed to empower first-generation scholars.

Campus ambassadors are selected at the end of each year from participating colleges and universities.

Leadership Team

The First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society is led by Dr. Joshua Fredenburg and the esteemed Circle of Change Leadership Team.
Dr. Fredenburg, a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for first-generation college students, has spent the past 15 years inspiring audiences in 49 states. His dedication to empowering first-generation students is reflected in his book, The First-Generation Student Career PlayBook.
Beyond Dr. Fredenburg’s expertise, the Circle of Change Leadership Team brings extensive experience in hosting virtual masterclasses and national career and leadership conferences tailored specifically for first-generation students and professionals.
In 2021, the team launched the groundbreaking First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience in Miami, Florida. Over the past four years, this transformative program has impacted the lives of more than 2,000 first-generation students from colleges and universities across the nation.
With years of experience, passion, and a proven track record of success, the leadership team is committed to ensuring that every first-generation student who joins the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society experiences a life-changing journey toward career and leadership success.
CIRCLE OF CHANGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Participating Colleges and Universities

The first-generation student career and leadership society launched on October 14, 2025. Below are the colleges and universities that joined us in the first year of our existence.

Become a Part of the First-generation Student Career and Leadership Society Today

Are you ready to receive the tools, resources, and support needed to attain career success?

If you are, join the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society, our leadership team is here to help.

Contact us anytime to schedule a meeting where we’ll:

Take the first step toward making a lasting impact on your students’ futures. Email us today to begin the journey!
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