First-Gen at TCTC

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First-Generation

Who is a First-Gen?

At Tri-County Technical College, first-generation means you are the first in your family to receive a college degree. During the fall 2024 semester, approximately 874 students identified as a first-generation college student on their TCTC application.

The term “First-Generation College Student” was created by the TRIO community and introduced into federal policy with the passage of the 1981 Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Student Success is Important

Your personal success as a student is important to us. In addition to faculty members, student support services staff (financial aid, counseling, career and employability services, and advising) are there for you your first day of class and continue their support until you receive your degree.

Student Support Resources:

Tutoring

Financial Aid Options

Clubs and Organizations

President Galen DeHay

TCTC President Galen DeHay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, a Master of Science degree in Zoology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, all from Clemson University.

President DeHay is a first-generation college student who was raised in a single-parent home. Being the first in his family to graduate from college means he has not only achieved a significant personal milestone but also paved the way for others in his family to follow in his footsteps.

President DeHay knows firsthand the uncertainty that comes with stepping on a college campus for the first time and having many questions. He recalls his freshman year at Clemson University when he and his mother attended orientation and felt overwhelmed with the details of navigating the steps to creating an academic schedule for himself—until a professor stopped him and asked if he needed help. “It made all the difference. Within 15 minutes, he showed me how to do it and answered any questions I had,” he said.

“We are deeply committed to supporting more first-generation students at TCTC. Education has the power to transform lives, and we want to be a part of that journey for as many students as possible,” he said. President DeHay joined the College in 1999 and during his 26-year tenure, has worked as a faculty member, department head and administrator. He taught biology for 11 years and served as science department head for four years before he accepted the director of planning and institutional effectiveness position in 2012. He later served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, assistant vice president for instruction and institutional effectiveness, and senior vice president when he was responsible for all academic, student support, enrollment, and workforce development functions of the College.

He assumed the duties of president of TCTC on July 1, 2019. President DeHay was named the 2020 Chief Executive Officer of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners.

First-Generation Scholarship Established in Honor of President DeHay

Like many students at Tri-County, TCTC President Dr. Galen DeHay worked to support himself as an undergrad at Clemson University, juggling studies and commitments while managing to maintain a high grade point average.

“Without those scholarships, my freshman year would have been an impossibility,” said President DeHay.

In 2022 TCTC’s Foundation began fundraising to establish a scholarship for first-generation college students as a way of honoring President DeHay. It resonated with many faculty, staff and community friends.

Within months, donor contributions exceeded the $25,000 required to endow the scholarship that recognizes President DeHay, who is the first in his family to graduate from college.

“I was amazed and so grateful for everyone’s generosity,” said President DeHay, who knows firsthand how scholarships can alleviate barriers to education. He entered Clemson University thanks to several scholarships from the Abney Foundation and a builders group in Charleston, his hometown.

“Without those scholarships, my freshman year would have been an impossibility,” said President DeHay, who was raised in a single-parent home.

“We want to serve more first-generation students at TCTC. So many faculty and staff, who also are first-generation students, told me they gave to the scholarship because it made them think about what education did for them. It’s a way to help others. Many gave generously because it was personal to them so they want to give others a hand up.”

You can apply here.