Columbia Law School felt like a foreign country to Cornelius Range when he arrived in the fall of 2013. His classmates seemed to know instinctively how to manage the competitive environment, study for exams, network and apply for internships and summer jobs. Range, meanwhile, struggled to adjust.

“Suddenly I'm in class with students who are the sons and daughters of leaders of these huge law firms. It blew my mind,” said Range, a Memphis native who'd been the first in his family to graduate from college. “I'll never forget my first year when I was studying for exams and I overheard a student say, 'I'll get my mom to help me write my outline for torts.' ” His own parents offered moral support but couldn't guide his studies.

Range began planning an organization that could support first-generation students like himself and serve as their professional network. His planning came into fruition in February, when he presided over the first meeting of Columbia's First Generation Profession­als. “I thought, this campus needs this because I need this,” he said.