Penn First Plus Logo

Penn First Plus (P1P) provides a hub of resources, programs, and support for undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college and/or have limited-to-modest financial means. P1P collaborates with academic programs, individual faculty members, and student services and centers across the University to make more accessible and inclusive the many opportunities provided by a Penn education. These efforts include supplemental funding support for emergencies and opportunities; individualized advising and advocacy for students; scholarly and professional development programs; inclusivity workshops and resources for faculty and staff; and initiatives to make more transparent the resources available to support academic and personal success at Penn (however a student might want to define success for themselves). We work closely with student leaders across campus develop community and support Penn's 11 FGLI student organizations.

Based in the heart of Penn’s campus on the garden level of College Hall, we provide:

Experiences that bridge secondary school and undergraduate learning
Individual support and workshops for academic and professional exploration
Opportunities for networking and mentorship with other students, faculty, and alumni
Professional, scholarly, and leadership development programs
Wellness workshops
Social and community events
Financial guidance and resources:
- Textbook budget support
- Professional and scholarly opportunities
- Emergency situations
Private and group study space
Free printing, snacks, and coffee/tea/cocoa

The College Achievement Program (PennCAP) is another Penn First Plus office, located at 220 S 40^th Street, on the second floor, above the bookstore and ice cream shops. Through professional counselors, PennCAP provides academic coaching and mentorship for academically talented undergraduates who come from families where neither parent attended college or had limited financial resources. The PennCAP team supplements their one-on-one support with academic and professional preparation workshops and opportunities for cultural enrichment. Access to PennCAP is automatic for students who attended the Pre-First Year Program. The application process for additional students opens at the beginning of each semester, contingent students meeting eligibility criteria and available space.