Resources

Our resources are open to anyone, and everyone, regardless of education or experience level. We, Primeros Pasos, strive to help support students reach their potential and rise above barriers that may be presented. Resources include:

During this changing time, whether it be environmentally or politically, it is important for everyone to know their individual rights in public and private spaces.

Know Your Rights ACLU

Know Your Rights ACLU provides information specific to each issue, ranging from Democracy (immigrant/human rights, speech, etc.), Justice ( racial justice, juvenile justice, etc.), and Liberty (Disability rights, LGBTQ, etc.). This website also provides information about court cases ranging throughout the nation.

• ACLU

Career Building

Career building and networking are essential for long-term success, helping students and professionals open doors to new opportunities, gain valuable insights, and establish meaningful connections. Developing skills, gaining experience, and setting clear goals help you stay competitive in your field. Engaging with industry professionals provides insights, advice, and potential collaborations. Building connections helps improve communication skills and confidence in professional settings.Investing in career development and networking early on sets the foundation for future success and opens doors to new possibilities.

Virginia Tech's Career and Professional Development

CPD assists students in exploring their identities, majors, and career paths; pursuing work-based learning while in college; finding employment after graduation; and preparing for graduate or professional school.

• Career & Professional Development

Resume Checklist

The purpose of your resume is to highlight your credentials, abilities, and pertinent work history to a potential employer, interviewer, or internship coordinator. In the five to ten seconds that companies typically spend reviewing applications, a resume attempts to position you as a qualified applicant. Making a good impression is the goal of a well-written CV, which can also lead to new prospects for your academic and professional career!

• Resume Checklist

Career Exploration (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Explore careers based on your interests! Learn about the education and skills necessary for various careers, as well as the pay, job outlook, work environment, and more.

• Career Exploration

A Beginngers Guide To Networking (Harvard Business Review) and Networking as a First-Generation Student Can Be Hard. Here’s How to Get Started. (Harvard Business Review)

Harvard Business Review outlines why networking is important and how to build relationships. First-gen navigation explains ways to overcome fear and how people from underrepresented backgrounds may face tougher networking opportunities. Both links include examples of how to network, whether through email or face-to-face talk.

• Beginners Guide
• First-gen Navigation

Productivity

For students, productivity and time management are key to balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life. Developing these skills early can lead to long-term success in both education and future careers. Mastering productivity and time management ensures that you stay in control of your tasks, work smarter, and create a balanced, fulfilling routine.

What Are SMART goals? (asana)

The most effective SMART goals are those that serve as stepping stones to your final objective and are directly related to your own or larger objectives. Although they should be difficult, they should be doable. These objectives must to be readily quantifiable and encourage efficient time management, enabling you to make prudent resource allocations. For instance, "to complete an advanced course in digital marketing within the next six months" would be a great SMART goal if job advancement is a top priority.

• asana

TickTick

TickTick is a free extension, accessible through all devices, that allows you to keep your tasks organized based on Work, Personal, Studying, habits, and much more.

• TickTick

Focus@will

Focus music made specifically for you, with the free trial you can take the quiz and find out more about what music and sounds allow you to focus and complete tasks. The instrumental music library keeps your mind from avoiding two undesirable states: distraction and habituation. Distraction can be the result of anything in day-to-day life, while habituation stems out of being bored with your surroundings or task at hand. Our music is crafted to balance your mind between distraction and habituation, keeping you focused on your work.

• focus@will

Studyguides.com

Rather than cramming, Spaced Repetition proposes that learning is more effective when distributed over time. Applicable to various educational and professional fields, Spaced Repetition is a versatile learning tool. It supports language acquisition, academic pursuits, and professional development. By optimizing memory retention, enhancing study efficiency, and promoting long-term mastery, Spaced Repetition addresses individual learning needs and counters the natural tendency to forget, making it a powerful ally in any learning journey.

• Studyguides

Mental Health

Maintaining mental health and managing stress are essential for students to succeed academically and personally. High stress levels can lead to burnout, decreased focus, and long-term health issues. Prioritizing well-being helps improve concentration, emotional resilience, and overall productivity.

How to Manage Stress with Mindfulness and Meditation (mindful)

College life can be overwhelming, but managing stress is possible with mindfulness and meditation. Taking just a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, center yourself, and focus on the present can improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. Explore simple techniques to bring calm and clarity to your college experience.

• Mindful

Hokie Wellness (Virginia Tech)

Hokie Wellness provides information for both students and staff at Virginia Tech. Catered for each individual Hokie Wellness provides "Program Areas" ranging from all areas to educate and empower every Hokie to take an active and engaging day-to-day approach to their wellness in order to enjoy a long, healthful, and purpose-filled life.

• Hokie Wellness

14 Tips for Test Taking (Harvard Summer School)

Harvard Summer School provides information on dealing with stress and anxiety while preparing for exams and during. Excessive stress can impair memory, concentration, and decision-making while causing fatigue and anxiety. Staying calm enhances focus, boosts confidence, and prevents burnout. Effective stress management supports better time management, a healthier lifestyle, and reduces test anxiety. Strategies like structured study plans, proper rest, and relaxation techniques help maintain a balanced mindset for success.

• Test Taking

Contact Us

You can contact us at [email protected] or connect with us through Instagram and LinkedIn down below! We look forward to connecting with you!

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Linktree
• Link
• Email

Opportunities

Explore internships, scholarships, research programs, and career-building experiences designed for students. Whether you're looking to gain real-world experience, expand your network, or enhance your skills, this is your go-to hub for exciting opportunities that can shape your future. Stay ahead and take the next step toward your goals

High School Opportunties in Virginia

Go Government

The federal government provides numerous exciting job opportunities, but finding, tracking, and applying for them can be challenging due to short application windows and information spread across multiple websites. The GoGovernment Federal Internship Finder, developed by the Partnership for Public Service, streamlines this process by gathering publicly available details on professional and academic opportunities for students and recent graduates in one convenient location.

• Go Government

The Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN)

VALHEN is dedicated to empowering first-generation Latino students in Virginia by providing tools and resources to ensure their success. Their mission focuses on improving access to higher education and increasing retention rates among underserved Virginia students. Check out their different programs below!

• VALHEN

Pathways For Future Engineers (Virginia Tech)

Pathways for Future Engineers is a year-round program aimed at supporting first-generation and underrepresented high school students with a strong interest in engineering. This program includes a multi-week summer residential experience that gives you hands-on projects, engineering challenges, and exposure to college-level coursework. You will also receive mentorship from Virginia Tech engineering students and faculty, as well as guidance on the college application process.

• Pathways

THINKABIT LABS @ VIRGINIA TECH

The Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab is a hands-on learning experience designed to introduce middle and high school students to the world of engineering and technology through creative problem-solving. The program blends STEM education with arts and design, encouraging you to engage in activities such as coding, robotics, and circuit building. You will work on team projects, using technology to solve real-world challenges while exploring the diverse career opportunities within STEM fields. The lab offers multiple opportunities throughout the year. Keep an eye on the program website for upcoming sessions.

• Thinkabit

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards that help students cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses—and the best part? They don’t have to be repaid! Unlike loans, scholarships are essentially free money, given based on merit, need, or specific criteria like community involvement, academic achievements, or career interests. Whether you're pursuing college, a trade school, or graduate studies, scholarships can ease the financial burden and help you focus on what truly matters—your education and future success!

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop offers a scholarship database and search tool. It includes over 9,500 scholarships that target different demographics, professional or educational interests, and financial needs. It provides various search options and filters to help you find the perfect scholarship that fits your needs and goals!

• CareerOneStop

Scholarship America

Scholarship America is a large database of scholarships. Many of them cater to different populations and demographics, but can be filtered to find one that is right for you! Check back often as new scholarships are provided every so often. You can browse and search the site as much as you want to find a scholarship that could help you in your college or trade school journey.

• Scholarship America

Horatio Alger

The Horatio Alger Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support students who have overcome significant adversity while demonstrating resilience, integrity, and a strong commitment to education. This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school students with financial need, helping them pursue their dreams of higher education without the burden of repayment. Beyond funding, recipients gain access to mentorship, career guidance, and a network of scholars dedicated to achieving success despite life’s challenges. If you’re determined to rise above obstacles and build a bright future, this scholarship could be your stepping stone!

• Horatio Alger

Dewalt Trades Scholarship

The DEWALT Trades Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in skilled trades by providing $5,000 in financial assistance for tuition and educational expenses. Open to high school seniors, graduates, and current trade school students, this scholarship is designed for those enrolling in programs like construction, mechanics, industrial trades, and technology. By investing in the next generation of skilled workers, DEWALT is helping students build a strong foundation for their future—without the burden of repayment. If you're ready to power up your career in the trades, this opportunity is for you!

• Dewalt

Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barbering Scholarship

The Jerry Alexander Gorman Foundation “The Passion to Succeed” Student Scholarship was formed to support those in need to achieve their goal of becoming a licensed professional. The scholarship will be awarded through the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and is open to newly accepted or currently enrolled students in a cosmetology, hair design or barbering that leads to licensure in the U.S.

• Jerry Alexander Gorman

Milady RISE Scholarship

Our job is to support you on your journey in the beauty & wellness industry by providing all things that can help you achieve your dreams. That's why Milady is proud to sponsor a semi-annual scholarship for both students currently enrolled in school, as well as active licensed professionals.A total of ten (10), $500 recipients will be selected by the Professional Beauty Association—five for students currently enrolled in school, and five for beauty/wellness professionals for industry-related continuing education.

• Milady