Three students play vollyball in the grass outside south campus

First-Generation and Low-Income (FGLI) Student Programs

Dr. Michelle Rebelsky Memorial First-Generation and Low-Income Lounge

The Dr. Michelle Rebelsky Memorial First-Generation and Low-Income (FGLI) Lounge, located on the third floor of the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, is a space for students to study, socialize, and relax. The lounge is designed to uplift and highlight the experiences of first-generation and low-income students, and all students are welcome to join in enjoying the cozy furniture, board games, puzzles, crafting, and community resources. This space was made possible through the support of the Alumni Council, as well as the family of the late Dr. Michelle Rebelsky.

a table with puzzle pieces next to windows overlooking East campus

Vast windows in the FGLI lounge overlook the east side of campus.

school paper article featuring FGLI students

A newspaper article about the FGLI advisory committee sits atop a banned books puzzle.

bookshelf in lounge filled with books, puzzles, games, and coloring

A bookshelf in the FGLI lounge features puzzles, board games, coloring books, books, and crafting supplies.

seven student leaders sit on the couch in the FGLI center

The 2025–26 FGLI Advisory Committee smiles during the development of the FGLI lounge.

Low-Income Lending Library

The Low-Income Lending Library provides free textbook, calculator, and molecular model kit rental to eligible low-income students. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Financial Aid, and eligible students are notified prior to the start of the academic year. The lending library, located in the basement of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice, was founded in 2016 by a QuestBridge student and the chaplain. There are more than 5000 items in the catalog, many of which were donated by students.
Emergency Fund

This fund is designed to provide students with financial support for unanticipated, temporary, and nonrecurring costs. Support is generally related to accidents, illness, or the death of a family member. The Emergency Fund is a joint venture led by Student Affairs in close consultation with the Office of Financial Aid. For more information, contact Assistant Dean of Student Success Megan Baldree in the Office of Student Affairs or Director of Financial Aid Pam Sittig.
Chaplain’s Office Student Pantry

Since 2017, the pantry has provided food for students in need of greater food security. It also has toiletries, like bar soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products, as well as a small collection of winter weather gear. The pantry is located in the basement of the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice.
Laptop Loaner Program

In the fall of 2019, the Laptop Loaning Program was developed in collaboration with the chief information officer of the College and the vice president of the Student Government Association. The program primarily provides laptops to students with high financial need. It is now administered through the Office of Financial Aid.

Programming

Throughout the school year, programming is offered to support FGLI student success. These events cater to academic success, personal wellness, identity exploration, community-building, and career development. Examples of regular programming include monthly mentoring lunches with first-generation faculty and staff, a Study Abroad 101 info session, student panels, alumni meet-and-greets, and senior graduation cap decorating.

3 students smile in front of a puzzle they've just completed

Three students smile after completing their puzzle at the spring 2026 FGLI Puzzling Competition.

a student roasts a marshmallow outside of south campus at a s'mores event

A student roasts a marshmallow at a QuestBridge s'mores event.

a stack of postcards read "Greetings from Iowa"

Over 100 postcards were sent to FGLI families during Family Weekend.

3 student leaders from student government smile in the FGLI lounge

Leaders from Student Government Association lead graduation cap and gown rental.

Students designed cactus plants at a felting event hosted by an alumna.

a group of students share snacks and play games in honor of Quest Day

Students gather for snacks and games on Quest Day.

a graduation cap reads "hasta luego Grinnell"

A graduation cap designed by an FGLI senior features lotería imagery.

6 students smile with their fall-themed prizes at the QuestBridge s'mores event

Prizewinners show off their fall-themed gear at a QuestBridge event.

QuestBridge Scholars Network

QuestBridge Scholars Network is one of Grinnell's Registered Student Organizations (RSO), which are student-run groups that lead events on campus. It was started by students who came to Grinnell through a connection to QuestBridge, a national organization that matches high-achieving, low-income students with the best colleges in the country. All students are welcome to join, and students can sign up to be contacted about upcoming events by emailing the QuestBridge student leaders.

11 student leaders huddle together in the FGLI lounge and smile for a photo

FGLI Advisory Committee

The purpose of the First-Generation & Low-Income (FGLI) Student Advisory Committee is to elevate and center student voices in goal setting, programming, and advocacy efforts to improve the FGLI experience at Grinnell College. It is composed of a select group of student leaders who act as bridges between the student experience and administrative decision-making. Students selected to serve on this committee gather student feedback, lead community-building events, and meet with campus leaders to spark positive change.

First-Gen House

First-Gen House is a residential space that centers the first-gen experience and was created with the purpose of increasing recognition, support, and community among first-generation Grinnellians. First-Gen House was envisioned and established through collaboration between the Department of Residence Life, the Associate Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student programs, and a third-year student. Eleven students are selected to live in this house each year, and the house includes both singles and double rooms.

For questions about these resources and opportunities, contact Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Programs Maggie Bell.