First-Generation College Celebration
First-Generation College Celebration
Since the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward (FGF, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success) hosted the inaugural celebration in 2017, hundreds of higher education institutions, corporations, government officials, non-profits, and K-12 schools have joined together in recognizing the achievements of the first-gen community on and around November 8.
FGCC strives not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. Through this intentional advocacy focus, FGCC engages key constituencies in building upon the work left unfinished by the HEA.
Network Journey
We invite you to explore the three phases that make up the FirstGen Forward journey for an institution upon joining the Network. New institutions will begin in the Network Member phase before progressing through the journey to become a Network Champion!
Why Celebrate on November 8
FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.
FGCC strives not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. Through this intentional advocacy focus, FGCC engages key constituencies in building upon the work left unfinished by the HEA.
Click here to learn more about the HEA, the creation of Federal TRIO programs, and the history of the First-Generation College Celebration.
Plan Your Celebration
This year, we encourage you to celebrate the first-generation college student and graduate community in every way possible! From inviting speakers to hosting professional development events, the possibilities for celebration are endless.
Many single-day events have spawned month-long celebrations. Below, you'll find everything you need to begin planning your 2024 events.
Step-by-Step Planning Guide
101 Ways to Celebrate Blog
Design & Collateral Toolkit
Tag @COEtalk and @FirstGenForward and use the #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing your plans on social media!
Grant Opportunity
Each year, we’re pleased to award grants to NASPA- and COE-member institutions to aid them in reaching more first-generation college students or graduates; engaging more stakeholders; launching new first-gen-specific events or initiatives; and/or providing additional services around FGCC.
TRIO Program Resources
COE has created two resources to support TRIO fund recipients' First-Generation College Celebration participation. The first details relevant regulations and allowable cost categories, while the second shares tips for recognizing TRIO's 60th anniversary during your #CelebrateFirstGen events.
National Events
FGF and COE have co-hosted several national events highlighting different facets of the first-gen journey. In 2023, our event centered first-gen college students' career trajectories by featuring a panel of first-gen graduates who hold senior roles in some of the world's most recognizable companies.
Our Founders
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Why Celebrate on November 8?
FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.
Plan Your Celebration
This year, we encourage you to celebrate the first-generation college student and graduate community in every way possible! From inviting speakers to hosting professional development events, the possibilities for celebration are endless.
Many single-day events have spawned month-long celebrations. Below, you'll find everything you need to begin planning your 2024 events.
Tag @COEtalk and @FirstGenForward and use the #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing your plans on social media!
Grant Opportunity
Each year, we’re pleased to award grants to NASPA- and COE-member institutions to aid them in reaching more first-generation college students or graduates; engaging more stakeholders; launching new first-gen-specific events or initiatives; and/or providing additional services around FGCC.
TRIO Program Resources
COE has created two resources to support TRIO fund recipients' First-Generation College Celebration participation. The first details relevant regulations and allowable cost categories, while the second shares tips for recognizing TRIO's 60th anniversary during your #CelebrateFirstGen events.
National Events
FGF and COE have co-hosted several national events highlighting different facets of the first-gen journey. In 2023, our event centered first-gen college students' career trajectories by featuring a panel of first-gen graduates who hold senior roles in some of the world's most recognizable companies.