Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, is an honor society for first-generation college students, defined as those whose neither parent nor guardian has completed a bachelor’s degree. The national society was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Following the successful induction at Moravian, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society. 

Induction into Tri-Alpha is earned by outstanding academic achievement and lasts for a lifetime. The Society’s mission is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-generation college students pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate (master’s or doctorate) degree at accredited institutions of higher learning.

The Xi Alpha chapter was chartered at NC State University on September 25, 2025.

Eligibility and Dues

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a current degree candidate at NC State University. 
• For Undergraduate Students:
  • Has completed at least 30 credits toward a bachelor’s degree at the time of applying, with at least one semester completed at NC State University (for transfer students)
  • Have a 3.3 cumulative GPA for undergraduate students
• For Graduate Students
  • Has completed at least 18 credit hours towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
  • Has a 3.5 cumulative GPA for graduate students. 
• Be considered a first-generation college student, defined as neither parent nor legal guardian earned a bachelor’s degree.

One-time (lifetime) individual student member dues are $25.00.

Faculty and Staff Members

Faculty and staff who were themselves first-generation college students are also invited to join our organization to help mentor first-generation students.  

Current NC State staff, administration, or faculty members must:

• Be employed in their current role for at least two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) by the end of the fall 2025 semester (spring and fall).
• Have a recommendation from a current first-generation NC State student at the primary level at which they instruct, advise, or otherwise support (undergraduate or graduate)
• Identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success.
• Provide a brief statement (300 words maximum) explaining why you wish to join Tri-Alpha.

One-time (lifetime) individual faculty or staff member dues: $40.00

Alumni Member

Former NC state students who completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from the university must have:

• A recommendation submitted by at least one current member of the NC State community (faculty, staff, students, etc.)
• Identify as a first-generation college student or have demonstrated advocacy for first-generation student success.

One-time (lifetime) individual alumni member dues: $40.00

Membership Benefits

Tri-Alpha offers qualifying members access to the following benefits and resources:

• Lifetime membership
• Leadership, career, and academic development opportunities
• A certificate and a pin at initiation
• Public recognition of acceptance/induction
• Mentorship connections and networking opportunities

Plus direct and continued access to:

• a community of scholars from a wide variety of academic disciplines and roles, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni
• employers, experienced professionals, and graduate school advice and guidance
• a supportive environment that promotes academic excellence

Xi Alpha Chapter Co-Advisors

Questions? Contact the Xi Alpha Co-Advisors at trialphahonor@ncsu.edu

Jasmine Kamiab, Assistant Director, Pack Support Programs 

Lisa LaBarbera-Mascote, Senior Director, Student Success Initiatives (first-generation student)+

Courtney Simpson, PhD, Senior Director, TRIO Collegiate and Pack Support Programs (first-generation student)+