First-generation student finds confidence and support at Montana Tech

When Dylan Bauch received her acceptance letter from Montana Technological University, she was home alone. Excited, she immediately called her family to share the news.

As a first-generation college student, Bauch had always planned to attend college, but navigating the application process without family members who had been through it before was challenging.

“None of us knew what we were doing,” Bauch said. “I'd sit down with my mom and asked, ‘Mom, how do I do this?’”

Now a junior studying Computer Science, Bauch has found a community of support through Montana Tech's TRIO Student Support Services STEM program.

Originally from Great Falls, Bauch became interested in computer science during a high school Python programming class. A campus tour during her junior year of high school solidified her decision to attend Montana Tech, where she was drawn to the small class sizes and welcoming environment.

During her first semester, Bauch spotted a poster advertising TRIO services and decided to investigate. TRIO Student Support Services STEM is a federally funded program serving first-generation, income-eligible students and students with disabilities. The program provides academic advising, tutoring resources, financial literacy education, career awareness and other services to help students successfully complete their degrees.

For Bauch, one of the program's most valuable lessons has been learning to ask for help.

“I think TRIO has helped me most with being able to ask for help,” Bauch said. “If I have any problems with any of my professors or any of my coursework, they really make me know it's okay to go ask for help.”

Whether she needs assistance finding a tutor, navigating an academic concern or simply talking through college life, Bauch knows she has someone in her corner.

“TRIO has made it where I actually have someone I can go and talk to,” she said.

Beyond academics, Bauch says attending Montana Tech has helped her become more independent while exploring career opportunities in computer science.

“I've met a lot of new people. I've learned a lot of new things,” Bauch said. “It's also nice because I've got to kind of experience the beginning of adulthood on my own, since I am two hours away from my family.”

For other first-generation students considering college, Bauch offers simple advice.

“I would tell them to use your resources,” she said. “What you put in is what you get out of college.”

Montana Tech to celebrate first-generation college students

Montana Tech's Institute of Educational Opportunities will celebrate first-generation college students, faculty and staff with two events leading up to National First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8.

A First-Generation Speaker Panel will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. in the library. Speakers will include Associate Professor Lorri Birkenbuel, Associate Professor Dr. Robin Bullock, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Tim Elgren and Director of Finance and Budget Carleen Cassidy.  First-Generation Auction and Bingo Night will follow Friday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. The events celebrate the experiences and accomplishments of first-generation college students and the campus community that supports them.