Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Exclusively for first-generation students — those whose parents or guardians didn't graduate from a four-year university — Generation Jacks is an extended learning community.
GenJacks is an amazing program that provides a great academic experience and an excellent support network. GenJacks members take classes together, participate in service and host social events for the GenJacks community. Additionally, participation in this learning community offers many benefits, including:
- a higher GPA
- enhanced faculty and professional academic advisor support
- higher satisfaction with the college experience
- a foundation and support network to help you stay on track for a four-year graduation
- cohesive curriculum with our linked courses in the cohorts
- a professional development jump start
- and a higher level of student engagement.
GenJacks program requirements
Students in the GenJacks program must:
- attend the Summer Leadership Academy
- participate in the academic learning community and take SFAS 1101
- complete career and professional development through SFAS 1110 and SFAS 2150
- visit the Academic Assistance and Resource Center five or more times each semester
- and meet monthly with your mentors.
Explore the details below to learn more.
GenJacks community programs
Summer Leadership Academy: Aug. 18-19, 2025
Aug. 18-19, 2025
Required for all incoming GenJacks, the Summer Leadership Academy offers workshops, social events, and service and leadership activities a week before the fall term. This program provides you with tools to start your academic journey strong and ensure your success at SFA. It also offers opportunities to acclimate to campus before classes begin.
In the Summer Leadership Academy, you'll meet fellow GenJacks students as well as counselors, faculty and staff. Our counselors are junior and senior students who serve as mentors during your college career.
The GenJacks program pays for all supplies for the academy.
Academic Learning Community
Required for all incoming GenJacks, three of your first-term courses will be exclusively with other GenJacks as part of your GenJacks Academic Learning Community. You'll take SFAS 1101, a student success course to help ease your transition to SFA, and the GenJacks coordinator will help you choose two other courses.
The GenJacks coordinator will work with you to ensure the courses you choose align with your degree plan, availability and any dual credit opportunities.
Career and professional development
The GenJacks program offers you a head start on your employability through Career Readiness, a course worth one credit hour. You'll take SFAS 1110 during your second term, to learn how to build your résumé and develop interview skills. Additionally, the course allows you to explore careers available with your major and ensures your own talents match your career choices.
Next, you'll take SFAS 2150, a linked practicum worth one credit hour that will prepare you for internship opportunities, graduate school or professional school. It also helps you enter the job market by connecting you with options available to your major.
These courses are required as part of the GenJacks program.
Mentorship
You also will have a GenJacks counselor who is a junior or senior student, and a GenJacks success coach who is a faculty or staff member. Both of these mentors will guide you throughout your college career and help you achieve your goals.
You must meet with each mentor once a month to remain in the GenJacks program.
Residential Learning Community (optional but strongly recommended)
Consider joining the GenJacks Residential Learning Community! GenJacks who live in this RLC have access to special programs and events. Space is limited to 36 students, so be sure to apply early. This community is a great way to stay engaged and get connected with other GenJacks!
Service learning opportunities (optional but strongly recommended)
GenJacks participate in several community service events such as the MLK Day of Service, Jacks Council on Family Relations' Thanksgiving Homebound food donation project, The Big Event (the largest day of community service in Nacogdoches) and more.