First generation students at Manhattanville College in Purchase are getting support to help them succeed in higher education.

The Mville First Summer Bridge Program takes on a group of first generation students each school year to help create a community and connect students with resources as they head into the classroom.

This week, the new freshman class of students met for three days of activities at the campus center for inclusion.

Camila Puerta Hincapie is the student support coordinator at the center and explained the challenges first gen students face.

"You are navigating the school system on your own, so different applications, how to apply for FAFSA, how to apply for tap and these forms are not easy to navigate on your own there's alot of words in there that you are probably seeing for the very first time," she said.

Manhattanville College is a destination for many first generation students said the college's president Frank Sánchez.

"About 38% of our students are first in their family to get a college education about 40% are come from ethnically diverse populations," he said.

The Mville program is in it's fifth year.

Students stay with the program throughout their entire college career until they reach their ultimate goal of graduating.