2024
First-Generation College Student Impact Report
Letter from the Executive Vice President and CEO
Dear Brothers, Parents, and Friends,
It has now been three years since Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Foundation launched our initiative to expand opportunities for first-generation student members. As we reflect on the progress made, I am thrilled to share the incredible achievements and outcomes that have come from these efforts, which have far exceeded our expectations.
Through careful monitoring and evaluation of both first-generation students and their continuing-generation peers, we’ve gained invaluable insights. The data confirms that our first-generation members are not just participating in our leadership programs; they are excelling. These brothers are demonstrating exceptional leadership potential early in their fraternity experience. For instance, first-generation new members are 50 percent more likely to become officers within their first year of membership compared to their peers. This speaks volumes about their drive and the effectiveness of our leadership training. Furthermore, 38 percent of our 2024 first-generation scholarship recipients have assumed officer roles in their first year. Additionally, nearly 20 percent of scholarship recipients have attended a milestone leadership conference like McKenzie or Kleberg, further solidifying their leadership journey.
These statistics are more than just numbers. They highlight the profound impact Phi Delta Theta is having on these students. Not only are they rising to leadership positions within our chapters, but they are also thriving academically and socially. Our data shows that first-generation members are 18 percent more likely to remain enrolled at their institution beyond their first
year compared to their first-generation peers outside the Fraternity. This is a testament to the supportive community, personal growth, and opportunities for development that Phi Delta Theta provides.
What does this mean for the broader fraternity experience? It means that our first-generation members are contributing significantly to the strength and vitality of our chapters. Their presence enhances the overall brotherhood, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences that benefit all members, especially as they assume leadership roles. Moreover, these programs are not only advancing the individual growth of these members but also contributing to the overall retention rates of first-generation students at their universities—a powerful, positive outcome for both the Fraternity and higher education institutions alike.
Looking ahead, we are energized by the progress we’ve seen and eagerly anticipate even greater achievements in the coming years. We are especially excited to follow the careers of our first-generation scholarship recipients as our first class of recipients enter the workforce next year. These young men are the future leaders in their communities and industries, and we take pride in knowing that Phi Delta Theta has played a pivotal role in their development.
As always, none of this would be possible without your unwavering support. Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or involvement, you have helped make this program a resounding success. We are incredibly grateful for your continued dedication to advancing our mission. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or wish to learn more about how you can further support our initiatives.
Thank you again for your generosity and belief in the potential of our first-generation members.
Humbly and proud to be a Phi!
First-Generation and Leadership
Phi Delta Theta outpaces both averages irrespective of whether a student is a first- or continuing-generation student.* The past three years, Phi Delta Theta freshmen have returned to campus for a sophomore year 99 percent of the time, whether first-generation or not. Compare this to the national average. According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, 81 percent of first-generation students return to school for a sophomore year, compared to 87 percent continuing generation students.
* A first-generation college student is defined as a student who has not had a parent or guardian complete a four-year degree. A continuing-generation student is a student who has a parent or guardian who has completed a four-year degree.
Sean S. Wagner Executive Vice President | President Phi Delta Theta Fraternity | Phi Delta Theta Foundation
Phi Delt freshman who return for sophomore year
99+ 99%
LINDENWOOD ’25
Grant Cracchiolo
Whenever I think about my college search process, I’m reminded of the stress and uncertainty I felt. As a first-generation student, I couldn’t share my questions or ideas with my family and had no guidance. I was always told to have a plan after high school, but I had no idea where to start. I’ll never forget the moment I received my college acceptance email—it came right after football practice. I was so excited to tell my parents, but their reaction was filled with skepticism and concern. The cost of college weighed heavily on their minds. Determined to make it work, I researched every scholarship I was eligible for and applied to as many as possible. Not to mention, I am trying to figure all this out during the middle of COVID. My university also offered a loan repayment assistance program, which I qualified for. Eventually, my first day of college arrived. It was daunting not knowing anyone from my high school or hometown.
On top of that, I couldn’t turn to my parents for advice because they hadn’t experienced college. I was looking for a fresh start, eager to prove to my family that college was the right path for me. Before arriving on campus, I had expressed interest in joining a fraternity. Despite seeing portrayals of Greek life in the media, I wanted to experience it for myself. After being stuck in my hometown during COVID, I craved a sense of community. My college, a small Division II private school an hour away from home, had three fraternities and three sororities. One of my first memorable interactions was with my dorm’s RA, who happened to be the president of Phi Delt. He gave me a tour of not just the campus but also the surrounding area, and the members of Phi Delt welcomed me with open arms. It was refreshing to feel like I could be myself without having to pretend to be someone else. The Fraternity’s members
were all unique, with different personalities and quirks, but it worked—and I knew I wanted to do more than just be a member.
I took on the role of secretary since I had a similar experience in high school and managed the chapter’s social media. One of my personal missions was to share my faith with my brothers in the chapter, so I also took the chaplain role. Finances were always on my mind as a first-generation student, so I eventually quit my fast-food job because it conflicted with the chapter’s needs. Fortunately, I landed a job as a student ambassador and gave tours for the university in the spring semester, which was better for balancing my schedule. Around this time, I was also offered a position on the Interfraternity Council, which broadened my understanding of fraternity life on campus. As I was growing within Phi Delt, my university was also evolving, transitioning to Division I and joining the Ohio Valley Conference. Looking back, I realized that going to college was an incredible opportunity—a chance that I wasn’t going to waste. That summer, I was invited to attend the Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute as part of the chaplain’s track, and I was among the first group ever to participate. The experience opened my eyes to how impactful Phi Delt truly is. Over time, I earned more scholarships and took
First-Generation Students Statistics
• First-generation students’ median household income is less than 50 percent of students from continuing-generation families ($41,000–$90,000).
• Continuing-generation students have earned a bachelor’s two and a half times more often than a first-generation student after six years (20 to 49 percent six-year national average graduation rate).
“ Looking back, I realized that going to college was an incredible opportunity—a chance that I wasn’t going to waste. ” on different roles. And qualified for the honors college track, and by my senior year, I became a peer mentor. Now, as I reflect on everything, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities Phi Delt has given me. I also aim to be an active advocate for fraternity life at universities.
2024 Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute Peer Mentors
Demographics
Phi Delta Theta’s work includes understanding the makeup of the Fraternity’s undergraduate membership. Being transparent about our undergraduate member demographics has facilitated valuable conversations and impactful decision-making. It also led to a focus on attracting first-generation students to our organization.
Through our partnership with Dyad Strategies, we know that first-generation college students are less likely to prioritize the social aspects of the Fraternity and have different life experiences and perspectives. On average, they work twenty or more hours per week, pay their own dues, and need financial assistance. We also learned that their views are more inclusive, promote further diversification, and help our chapters focus on leadership and philanthropy, ensuring a better and healthier experience for all.
First-Generation Statistics
Primarily due to financial challenges, navigating unfamiliar environments, and a lack of on-campus mentorship, retention and graduation rates for first-generation college students are significantly lower than for students with parents who attended college.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly a third of undergraduate students in the United States are first-generation, defined as those with parent(s) who have not attained a bachelor’s degree.
Demographics
Race/Ethnicity of Phi Delta Theta Membership 2023–24
White/Caucasian
Hispanic/Latino: Afro-Latino, Chicano, Hispanic, Latino
AAPI: Asian, Asian-American, Pacific Islander
Multiracial or Biracial
Black/African: African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Asian
MENA: Middle Eastern-North African or SWANA: Southwest Asian and North African
A race/ethnicity not listed above Indigenous Person: Indigenous Person, First Nationer
First-Generation Student New Members
more likely to attend Kleberg/McKenzie in their first year
an officer in their first year. Phi Delta Theta’s First-Year First-Generation Member Engagement
25% 50% more likely to become an officer in their first year
Impacting Campuses
In order to ensure that our programming remains current and relevant to undergraduate Phis, Phi Delta Theta participates in an annual survey completed by Dyad Strategies that provides us with invaluable data about member experience and desired learning opportunities. Nearly 5,019, or 46 percent, of our undergraduates completed this year’s survey. Over the past four years, members of Phi Delta Theta have consistently ranked higher than our fraternal peers in the category of Openness to Diversity. We at Phi Delta Theta attribute this to our dedication to educating our entire membership base on the importance of diverse conversations. We believe that leaders who can effectively communicate with others from various backgrounds will ultimately be the most successful in leadership.
To prepare our young leaders for success, we offer a variety of avenues for them to learn about diversity. The first option is an online course titled Our Obligation, which educates our members on differing types of diversity and what it means to be an inclusive chapter. This program has our highest participation for courses not required. In addition to our online curriculum, we have expanded the role of our chapter chaplain position. While this officer still provides spiritual council and plays an essential part in ritual, the members who hold this position also take part in exclusive in-person education that focuses on facilitating difficult conversations, guiding their chapter in becoming a place of high inclusivity, and educating all members on how to lead diverse groups.
The chaplain position also seeks opportunities on campus for chapters to interact with programs or events focusing on diversity and inclusion. Since expanding the responsibilities of the chaplain position, Phi Delta Theta has seen incremental progress in Dyad survey responses to the following statements: My chapter seeks out opportunities to get involved in campus programs
First-Generation Diversity
• 59 chapters have taken in more Phikeias after the program started than before who are first-generation college students
• 59 chapters have become more diverse
or events that focus on diversity and inclusion, and my chapter socializes and sponsors events with campus organizations that contain members from diverse backgrounds. This is one of the reasons we’ve seen great progress toward becoming as or more representative of each campus’s diversity.
Openness to Diversity Inclusive Chapter Experience
Testimonials
“I am pursuing a four-year degree in accounting at Penn State. I have high aspirations of being a leader, entrepreneur, and a man of upstanding values. On campus, I am involved in a wide array of extracurriculars and diligent in working in the classroom. Not only this, I am also a leader within my chapter. Moreover, I am involved in the Penn State Society of Accountants, VITA, a student organization that prepares tax returns and passes knowledge about financial literacy to students and locals who are low-income, and my most proud accomplishment, the re-emerging chapter of Phi Delta Theta, Pennsylvania Theta Chapter. After college, I have dreams of owning my own gym and fostering an environment of strength, growth, and a positive mental attitude.
“ After college, I have dreams of owning my own gym and fostering an environment of strength, growth, and a positive mental attitude. ” —Coleton Geibel
I plan on using this money for textbooks, meals, and other miscellaneous costs. One motto I carry with me that my grandfather passed on to me before his passing is that nothing is given but earned. Not only am I proud to have earned this scholarship, but the title of Phi.”
—Coleton B. Geibel, Penn State ’26
Chaplain Track Update
The Kleberg Emerging Leaders Institute provides a unique opportunity to provide specialized education through different tracks. We implement new tracks when programs or executive board positions change, so the officers in charge of implementing those changes are supported with the proper resources.
In 2021, when we launched Our Obligation, the role of the chaplain shifted. The role maintains a focus on religious and spiritual council within the chapter, but has expanded responsibilities focusing on their chapter’s education on mental health resources, inclusive chapter and recruitment practices, conflict transformation, diversity and inclusion conversations, and creating climates of care. These conversations are becoming more important on college campuses, and it was vital for the Fraternity to provide our members with support and resources surrounding them. Over the past three years, we have worked to transition these topics into all other aspects of our leadership education programs. The chaplain will serve as an education guide, but the other members will encounter these crucial topics in many ways throughout their journey.
We are excited to continue this work on a larger scale with all the Kleberg and McKenzie attendees.
“ This scholarship not only alleviates some of the financial pressures associated with my studies but also motivates me to keep on pushing through. ”
—Izaiah Acosta
Bridging the Gap to Membership
In 2020, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation Board of Trustees approved an initiative to fund $1,000,000 in first-generation new member scholarships over four years. Since then, 560 individuals from 157 chapters have received a first-generation new member scholarship: that’s 84 percent of eligible chapters! These scholarships are available to new members in their first year of membership and are first-generation college students.
First-generation college students have a median household income that is less than 50 percent of their continuing-generation peers. This scholarship serves as a bridge to membership for those needing extra support during their first year. Students have shared that this scholarship allowed them to work fewer hours to spend more time studying, buy books needed for their classes, and take research trips, to name a few. While scholarships cannot pay directly for fraternity membership, they are offsetting the investment students are making in their commitment and exposure to an organization that can directly improve their social mobility through a values-based experience.
Testimonials
“Receiving this scholarship is not just a financial boost for me; it is a validation of my hard work, determination, and aspirations. As a first-generation college student, navigating the complexities of higher education has presented its challenges. However, your belief in my potential and your generous support have reaffirmed my commitment to overcoming these obstacles and achieving my academic goals.”
—Cody Carroll, North Dakota ’27
“This scholarship not only alleviates some of the financial pressures associated with my studies but also motivates me to keep on pushing through. As a first-generation student, it’s easy to feel alone on my academic journey, but his Fraternity proved I do not have to be. I’m honored to be a part of it and proud to call myself a Phi!”
—Izaiah Acosta, UW–Whitewater ’24
Sam Marx
I am very grateful to be a part of such a great organization and to have the opportunity to receive this scholarship. Being a first-generation college student is very important to me and motivates me every day. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend college, but I’m very proud to say I am able to break that cycle. With this scholarship, I am able to have help with tuition from Ohio University. I’m very proud to say I’m a Phi and have people know that I’m a member of an organization that helps serve their community. Being a brother of Phi Delta Theta has helped me find my place in college by surrounding myself with people who have similar interests, and I’ve built connections and memories that I’ll remember forever.
“ I am dedicated to making the most of this opportunity, determined to use my education to create a positive influence within my community and beyond. Your support not only has unlocked doors for me but has also ignited my enthusiasm for ongoing learning and personal development. ” —Bryce Wiginton
Bridging the Gap to Membership
Primary Education Funding Source of Phi Delta Theta Members
Testimonials
“As a first-generation student at West Texas A&M, this vote of confidence helped me to use my education to empower and develop other leaders in my daily life. I strive in all ways to help others and create an environment of understanding and value.
Race/Ethnicity of Scholarship Winners
I am dedicated to making the most of this opportunity, determined to use my education to create a positive influence within my community and beyond. Your support not only has unlocked doors for me but has also ignited my enthusiasm for ongoing learning and personal development.”
—Bryce A. Wiginton, West Texas A&M ’25
“I understand all of the rigorous hardships I will have to go through while in graduate school. Itwon’t be an easy task, but this scholarship awarded to me contributes to my path in higher education and I cannot thank you all enough. I am truly blessed to be part of an organization that cares for its members.”
—Jeremy K. Ye, Cal Poly ’24
John Carter, president and chief operating officer, Nationwide Financial
John L. Carter
Successful organizations have respect for their history, appreciation for their present, and support for their future. Honoring legacies is one way fraternities can stay strong. My father, Charles Wilson Carter Sr., Missouri ’42, son Blair H. Carter, SMU ’22, and I, Missouri ’85, are three generations of proud Phi Delts. Phi Delta Theta has been important to my family for more than eighty years. I became a Phi Delt because of my dad, got my first job because of my Phi Delt connections, and passed that legacy on to my son.
It’s important to continue to honor the tradition of legacies while also ensuring we are being inclusive in our recruiting and membership, which includes expanding recruitment efforts to invite non-traditional fraternity joiners to be part of Phi Delt. This combination of multigeneration and first-generation members fosters an environment rich in diverse perspectives and ideas and will leave all our members more prepared for the workforce after college.
Phi Delt’s commitment to membership diversification is not just a box to be checked—it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of our brotherhood. This is particularly evident in the dedicated efforts to support first-generation college students. These young men, the first in their families to attend college, often face unique challenges.
Phi Delta Theta recognizes this and has developed a suite of resources and mentorship opportunities designed to empower students.
By embracing and nurturing the talents and perspectives of first-generation students, not only is the brotherhood stronger, but we also contribute to the broader mission of building more inclusive, high-performing teams across all levels of society. I’m proud that Phi Delta Theta is at the forefront of creating a space where every brother, regardless of background, can succeed and contribute to the collective success of our Fraternity.
Bridging the Gap to Membership
Number of Scholarship Recipients
Chapters Receiving Scholarships
Testimonials
“This scholarship will be of immense value to myself as I continue to work towards obtaining my mechanical engineering degree. Specifically, the scholarship will allow me to forgo a job during the academic year which will further allow me to focus solely on academics, extracurriculars, including my presence in Phi Delta Theta, and career opportunities during the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, coming from a single-parent household and having two other brothers that are around college age makes paying for school difficult, but this scholarship will thankfully mitigate this stress immensely.”
—Matthew G. Moyer, Penn State ’26
“As a first-generation university student in a foreign country, this scholarship represents not only a financial relief but also a significant step toward achieving my academic and career goals. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and hope to one day give back to the fraternity in the same spirit.”
—Prabhnoor Singh, Manitoba ’26