Rooted Together: A Space for First Gen College Students at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Being the first in your family to attend college is a remarkable achievement. It often comes with a mix of pride, excitement, and motivation. Yet for many first-gen college students, especially students of color at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, this journey can also present unique challenges. Navigating academic demands alongside feelings of isolation, pressure, and cultural dissonance in predominantly white spaces can feel overwhelming. Recognizing these experiences, Rooted Together offers a dedicated space for connection, reflection, and community.
What Rooted Together Offers
Rooted Together is a free, three-week, in-person space designed to center the experiences of first-gen college students who identify as students of color at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. This program is not just another campus event; it is a carefully crafted space that centers on lived experiences and fosters meaningful connections.
Dates: February 17 through March 3: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Duration: 1 hour each week
Location: East Bank Campus, Appleby Hall
Cost: Free
Registration: Required in advance
Capacity: Limited to eight participants
The small group size is intentional. It creates a safe environment where trust can grow, and participants can engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you want to listen, reflect, write, or participate in guided activities, Rooted Together respects your pace and readiness to share.
Why Connection Matters for First-Gen College Students at the University of Minnesota twin cities
First-gen college students often carry the weight of expectations from family and community. They may face pressure to succeed academically while also managing financial challenges, cultural differences, and, at times, a lack of guidance from family members unfamiliar with college life. For students of color, these pressures can be compounded by experiences of marginalization or feeling like outsiders in predominantly white institutions.
Rooted Together acknowledges these realities. The program is grounded in the belief that connection strengthens resilience. When students come together to share stories, reflect on their journeys, and support one another, they build a foundation that helps them navigate challenges with greater confidence.
What to Expect During the Sessions
Each week of Rooted Together focuses on different themes and activities designed to support personal growth and community building. You are not expected to share anything you do not want to. It is a place to show up and participate in whatever way feels supportive to you. There will be activities, food, and opportunities to connect with others.
Why This Program Is Unique
Many campus resources focus on academic support or career planning, but Rooted Together fills a different need. It creates a space where students can connect on a personal level, share experiences that often go unspoken, and build a community that understands their specific challenges.
The program’s focus on students of color acknowledges the intersection of race and first-generation status. This intersection can create unique pressures and experiences that are often overlooked in broader first-gen initiatives.
How to Join Rooted Together
If you are a first-gen college student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and identify as a student of color, Rooted Together invites you to register. Because the group is limited to eight participants, early registration is important to secure your spot.
Participation is free, and the program offers a rare opportunity to build connections in a supportive, understanding environment.
Building Resilience Through Community
The transition to college is a significant life event, especially for first-gen college students. When students of color come together in spaces like Rooted Together, they find strength in shared experiences and collective support. This connection helps reduce feelings of isolation and builds resilience that carries students through their academic journey and beyond.
By joining Rooted Together, students gain more than just a support group. They become part of a community that values their stories, honors their backgrounds, and supports their growth.