FIRST Program: A Tradition of Service and Connection

By: Ava Aversa '26, student correspondent

Nearly 40 members of The University of Scranton Class of 2028 arrived a week prior Move-in to participate in FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together,) a reflective service immersion program.

FIRST participants shared their talents as volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University's We Care program.

"I really love the experience. It's so enjoyable and everyone is very inclusive. I think it's a great way to know the Scranton community," said Angelo Ledda '28, of Bronx, New York.

Program organizer Avianna Carilli explained the concept.

"This is our 21st year of the FIRST program. Every year we bring 40 incoming first-year students to campus a week early. They come with us and stay at Chapman Lake, which is our retreat center located about 25 minutes away from campus," said Carilli.

She noted that in addition to immersing the first-year students into the Scranton area, the week provides an opportunity to build connections.

"This is, for some, their first time away from home ... it gives them the opportunity to connect with one another before everyone else in their class moves in. They are making new friendships with one another, with our upperclassmen who are FIRST team leaders and with some of the staff and administration at the University," said Carilli.
"It is really comforting to know that when you are walking into the first day of college, you are already coming in with 40 new friends."

Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs for the Center for Service & Social Justice,said the Center is partnered with over 100 non-profit agencies in Scranton, where students provide services throughout the academic year.

"We work with some of those agencies for FIRST every year to introduce the students to Scranton and some of the marginalized communities within our town."

FIRST participants weigh in on the EXPERIENCE

"Everything has been great so far. This is never really something I've done before, but it was a great experience to go out here try something new," said Kyle Lucas '28.

"My experience is going very well. Everyone is very nice and very friendly," said Brendan Mahoney '28.

Junior Stephen Butler returned to FIRST for the third year, this time as a team leader

"I definitely would describe it as transformative," said Butler '26.

"During my entire time at the University of Scranton, I think my path was paved by that first week ... I do a lot of community service work with the University now, and I think it was all sparked right then and there," he added.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH COMMUNITY INTERACTION

Organized through the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) at the Arrupe House, the University's We Care program regularly invites students to prepare 100 meals weekly for those most in need in the Scranton area.

Lorena Pacheco Jimenez, coordinator of local service with the CSSJ, explained the support for We Care that is provided by FIRST participants.

"The FIRST participants help by assisting, prepping and making meals, and being a part of filling that need, especially in Scranton where there is a high number of food insecurity."

The students also volunteered at Neighborworks, a nonprofit community development organization in West Scranton, that has, for more than 40 years, helped to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives throughout the region.

"With the older population, ever since COVID, we have seen social isolation on the rise. With these types of events, we actually change a lot of that. The interaction is amazing," said Alyssa Espinoza, Aging in Place Specialist for the organization

WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations, shown below.

The FIRST program is stronger than ever after more than two decades. Learn about the early years of the FIRST program in The Scranton Journal.