First-generation college students without broad support networks are more likely to leave STEM majors. In rural West Virginia, the First2 Network aims to improve STEM persistence by including students in creating solutions to STEM attrition. One solution, a research program for rising first-year students in STEM majors, is discussed here. The authors assessed students' STEM education and career plans, identity, efficacy, and sense of school of belonging before and after the program. Intern and faculty perspectives were also analyzed. Students' STEM identity, efficacy, and school belonging improved after participation. However, First2 students' early STEM persistence rates were lower than state rates for somewhat similar non-First2 students.