PNW College of Business First Gen Scholars Explore Indianapolis
Students from left to right: Dominic Salgado, Casandra Vickers, Hanna Abuzead, Ashly Elias, Cassandra Mendez, Kayla Seymour, Jaelyn McDuffie, & Andres Andino
Students from left to right: Dominic Salgado, Casandra Vickers, Hanna Abuzead, Ashly Elias, Cassandra Mendez, Kayla Seymour, Jaelyn McDuffie and Andres Andino
Eight College of Business students traveled to Indianapolis over fall break as part of the College of Business First Gen Scholars initiative, an immersive three-day experience designed to expand professional horizons, foster community and empower first-generation students with new confidence as they prepare for their careers.
The program, funded through a university first-gen grant, supports College of Business students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. Selected scholars received a scholarship, a professional clothing shopping spree, business cards and the opportunity to participate in a curated trip featuring employer visits, alumni connections and cultural experiences.
For many participants, the trip marked a significant milestone in their college journeys—a chance to step into new environments with the support of peers who share similar challenges and ambitions.
Accounting student Hanna Abuzead said the experience changed how she viewed her future. “I was able to get a glimpse of what my future could look like if I continue to work hard. The connections I made were amazing,” she shared. As a COB First Gen Scholar, she added that the trip “made me feel like I did have the same opportunity as everyone else,” emphasizing how rare it can feel for first-generation students to gain access to professional networks.
For Cassandra Mendez, meeting professionals across different organizations helped ease the pressure she felt about her own career path. “It was calming hearing how different and unexpected their career paths were compared to the perfect career path I had envisioned,” she said. “Now, I am learning to be proud of who I am and where I am in life.”
Finance student Andres Andino echoed this, noting how valuable it was to see what happens behind the scenes at Deloitte and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Being able to see what goes on in the workplace gave a very strong idea of what I am looking to get myself into,” he said. As a first-generation student, having access to these spaces “meant a lot,” and he emphasized the importance of expanding his network through the relationships formed during the trip.
I was able to get a glimpse of what my future could look like if I continue to work hard. The connections I made were amazing.
Many students left Indianapolis with concrete contacts, and in some cases, the first steps toward future opportunities.
Hanna received application support directly from Indianapolis Motor Speedway staff, who offered to pass her materials to their hiring manager. Cassandra connected with a senior leader from White Lodging who encouraged her to trust her path in human resources and hospitality. But the connections among scholars themselves were just as meaningful. “I most enjoyed meeting and getting to know my group,” Hanna reflected.
With nearly half of Purdue Northwest’s student population identifying as first-generation, initiatives like this trip are essential for building equity and creating access to experiences that shape professional identity.
Students said the program gave them what first-gen journeys often lack—exposure, mentorship, community and affirmation.
As the College of Business looks ahead, our goal is to continue and expand the First Gen Scholars experience, traveling to additional cities and introducing more students to organizations across the Midwest.
For these eight students, the College of Business First Gen Scholars program was more than a getaway; it was a turning point—one that opened new doors, broadened their perspectives and reminded each scholar that they belonged in the rooms they stepped into.
If you’re interested in supporting or getting involved with next year’s COB First Gen Scholars experience, please contact Samantha Horn at samantha.horn@pnw.edu.