First Gen Education
About Us
First Gen is a non-profit college admissions and financial aid advisor for underserved students.
First Gen is here to serve as your trusted advocate and guide throughout the entire college application process, from researching schools and filling out applications to understanding financial aid options and securing scholarships.
Our services do not come with fees, as we are a 501(c)(3) corporation. We work with students and families to improve their college searches and help with financial aid planning. We have a working proficiency in Spanish.
We do not provide direct financial assistance to students. We do, however, firmly believe that there are many missed financial aid packages since many are not aware of these opportunities.
Meet Steve
First Gen President and Founder, Founded in 2022
Steve McElhennon is the President and Founder of First Gen Education. Prior to establishing First Gen in 2022, Steve served in executive positions at a Fortune 20 financial services company with $3 trillion in assets and worked for several years at a top international law firm in New York.
Steve was a “First Gen” college student and is a native New Yorker (Queens). His parents were born in Ireland, and he was the first in his family to attend college and law school
Background
Prior to founding First Gen, Steve worked at Fannie Mae in Washington DC from 2001 until 2022, where he served as the Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel. He was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Interim General Counsel at Fannie Mae in 2018 and 2019, where he led a team of 200+ legal professionals. Previously, Steve was an Associate with Sidley Austin LLP in New York, specializing in capital markets transactions.
Steve has a B.A. (magna cum laude) in public administration and philosophy from Fordham University and a juris doctor from Fordham University School of Law. He has executive education certifications from the Harvard Business School and the MIT Sloan School of Management.
A Personalized Approach
Understand Your Goals
We look forward to meeting you to explore your aspirations. Understanding our students and their families is vital for successful admissions and ensuring a positive, stress-free experience.
Design a Plan
We collaborate with you and your family to create a personalized implementation plan, including a clear timeline, actionable steps, and a list of target schools. We’ll have candid conversations about financial aid.
Launch Your Plan
We serve as your advocate and guide, supporting you throughout the process. We aim to place you on a life-changing path driven by the power of a transformational education.
Ready to Begin Your College Journey?
At First Gen Education, we believe that every student—regardless of background—deserves access to a life-changing college experience. Whether you’re the first in your family to apply to college or a parent seeking guidance for your child, our team is here to walk you through every step of the process. From goal setting and school selection to financial aid and applications, we’ll help you build a clear, confident path forward. Reach out today and let’s start your journey together.