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Free Downloadable Guide

The First-Generation Marketing Playbook

Break the cycle of jargon-filled messaging and missed connections.
This 20-page guide gives you the tools to actually serve first-gen students—no fluff, no theory. Just proven frameworks, a first-gen audit, and access to a GPT built for writing with empathy and clarity.

What’s Inside the Playbook:

TRUST Messaging Framework

Learn a five-part model that

helps teams write, speak, and design for clarity. This is a system that will  make your messages more human, relevant, and effective across every channel.

Deficit to Asset Messaging 

Stop unintentionally framing

first-gen students through the language of struggle. This section helps you reframe identity as leadership and resilience, with examples and evidence-backed messaging swaps that build confidence and belonging.

First-Gen 
Audit Checklist

Assess your institution’s communication clarity with a 100-point audit. Identify where messaging and processes break down—and where alignment can create measurable improvement.

Financial Aid Deocder

Simplify the most intimidating step of the college journey. Learn how to design financial aid communication—from FAFSA through the first bill—that earns trust, explains clearly, and supports real decision-making for students and families.

Felix the
First-Gen GPT

Our custom GPT helps you apply the playbook instantly. Paste in your real emails or web copy, and Felix will flag jargon, check TRUST alignment, and recommend plain-language improvements.

Parent & Family Strategy

Parents aren’t just supporters; they’re co-pilots. Learn tools and see examples for building inclusive, plain-language communication that builds trust and confidence among

Gen X and Millennial parents.

White Brick Wall

Square One Insights Blog

Higher ed trends, strategies and solutions for teams and professionals.

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