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 you the tools and resources you need to succeed in the competitive world of career and leadership development. Here’s how you’ll benefit:

Develop key career and leadership skills
Achieve personal growth that propels you forward
Build positive, meaningful relationships with peers from across the country
Grow your social capital and enhance your professional network
Position yourself for career success, whether you’re just starting out or advancing in your field.
Be inspired to make a lasting impact in your community, nation, and beyond!

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:

Career Development - Strengthen your career readiness with practical tools such as resume writing, interviewing, job searching, LinkedIn optimization, and more.
Relationship Building, Communication, and Networking - Enhance your interpersonal and communication skills to build a strong, professional network.
Professional and Leadership Development – Learn how to navigate your career and leadership roles with confidence through insights into professional etiquette and leadership styles.
Resiliency – Cultivate a growth mindset and the resilience needed to overcome challenges and succeed.
Community Development and Collaboration – Be part of a supportive, empowering network where students help each other thrive and reach their full potential.
Socially Responsible Leadership – Embrace ethical leadership and civic engagement that positively impacts communities and your career.

Becoming Part of the 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:

Complete the Online Application and Submit Your Initiation Fee

To get started, simply complete our online application and submit your initiation fee. This fee includes a free book and a digital journal, which will support your personal growth throughout the program.

Attend Two Virtual Events per Month for Four Months

Engage in two virtual career development and panel sessions each month for the next four months. These events will feature insights from industry professionals and speakers, helping you enhance your career readiness.

Join an Organization, Secure an Internship, and Attend One Virtual Event per Month

Put your learning into practice by joining an organization and securing an internship. During the Spring semester, continue to attend one virtual event per month, integrating the career development lessons into real-world experiences.

Develop one reflective journal entry per month.

Stay on track with your personal growth by writing one reflective journal entry each month. You’ll be provided with a journal and book to guide your reflections, helping you consolidate and apply your learning.

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.

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.

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.

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 completing the application below.

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.

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 bring the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society to your campus community this year? If you are, we are here to help you prepare your first-generation students for career success in college and beyond. To being the process, complete the application below.

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.

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

Are you ready to empower your first-generation students with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive?

If your college or university is interested in joining the First-Generation Student Career and Leadership Society, our leadership team is here to help.

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

Contact Our Leadership Team circleofchangeleadconference@gmail.com