First-Generation College Celebration is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes. Every year on November 8, we encourage our Network—colleges, universities, corporations, community organizations, volunteers, and students at all levels—to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni in every possible way.
This year, we encourage you to celebrate the successes of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, alumni, and professionals in every way possible!
First-Generation College Celebration 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.
Click here to learn more about the HEA, the creation of Federal TRIO programs, and the history of National First-Generation College Celebration. Or, explore the CareerSpring website to understand why we support the first-gen community.