James R | On 09, Jan 2020

Michelle Obama and her initiative Reach Higher is lining up a new series for Instagram called A Year of Firsts.

Mrs. Obama has partnered with ATTN for the IGTV show, which aims to empower and inspire first-year college students across the USA. Each episode will highlight the journey and personal stories of students as they take on their freshman year of higher education. By providing a platform for these students to candidly discuss challenges, provide helpful insights and moments of success, A Year of Firsts continues the tradition that the former First Lady began while in the White House: uplifting young people and supporting their educational potential.

The hope is that other first-year college students will find common ground and community in this impactful series. 

“As a first-generation college student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to take that leap and pursue your educational dreams,” said Mrs. Obama in a statement. “That’s why I’m so proud of these students. By sharing their stories, they’re helping others see that the ups and downs of the first year of college are something everyone goes through – and they’re creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.”

A Year of Firsts is produced by ATTN:, in partnership with Reach Higher, the organisation founded by Mrs. Obama during her time at the White House to inspire and support students to pursue higher education, whether at a professional training program, a community college, four-year college or university or the military. ATTN: is working with the students directly to document their first year as they explore issues like the academic stress of college, making new friends, college affordability, and the physical and mental health while in college. Over six episodes, the series will chronicle their first year – beginning in January and concluding in June.

“As Mrs. Obama highlights in each episode, there are many hidden challenges to making it through college,” added ATTN: co-founder, Matthew Segal. “This series will meet many students where they live—on Instagram—and share candid perspectives about how to overcome barriers. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mrs. Obama and Reach Higher to engage and inspire students to invest in themselves through higher education.”

The series follows the Obamas’ partnership with Netflix, as the pair try to reach younger generations through modern media. Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil rights, their Netflix projects range from documentary American Factory to a film based on Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom and a scripted anthology based on the NY Times’ obituary column, Overlooked.

Here’s the trailer for A Year of Firsts:

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A post shared by ATTN: (@attndotcom) on Jan 7, 2020 at 2:57am PST

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