Mission
The purpose of the First to Fly (FTF) Program is to help first-generation students successfully navigate higher education. The FTF program provides students with a community that offers academic, social-emotional, and career readiness support.
Eligibility and Application
Any student attending Fresno Pacific University who identifies as a first-generation student is eligible. As defined by FPU, your parent/guardian has not received a four-year bachelor's degree. If you would like to apply to be part of the First to Fly community and receive regular communication about support services and program events, please complete this short application.
Program Benefits
- Academic Support (Tutoring and Coaching)
- Program events and activities
- Career Counseling
- Peer Mentoring
- Counseling Services
- Laptops available for check-out
Support Team
Program Staff
Cyinna Drotos, M.A.
Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- 559-453-2074
- cyinna.drotos@fresno.edu
Brianna Martinez
Student Success and Equity Specialist- 559-453-2375
- Brianna.Martinez@fresno.edu
Madeleine Saephan, M.A.
Career CounselorTraditional Undergraduate Students- 559-453-7157
- madeleine.saephan@fresno.edu
Aubree Wright
Career CounselorRegional Campus and Online Students/Alumni- 559-453-7161
- Aubree.Wright@fresno.edu
Peer Mentors
- Sunny Guides
- Mariana Bautista Almazan
- Paola Espinoza
- Yesenia Cortez
- Lucero Garcia-Lopez
First Gen Staff and Faculty
First Gen Faculty
- Jennifer Carnes (Math & Computer Science)
- Ken Cheung (Chemistry)
First Gen Staff
- Anita Rodriguez (GPS)
- Brian Davis (OSF)
- Bri Martinez (ILC)
- Cyinna Drotos (ILC)
- Jodi Smith (Admissions)
- Mariah Cushing (SAS)
- Priscilla Pinon (Provost Office)
- Sarah Micu (ASC)
- Tyjuan Gibson (Res Life)