First-Generation College Celebration

First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) 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.

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.

First-Generation College Celebration at MSU Texas

Wednesday, November 5

First-Gen Webinar: Exploring the Ways Jargon Influences Access & Success for First-gen Students

12pm-1pm, Zoom. Register here.

From NASPA, discover how college knowledge and institutional jargon can be an access and success challenge, particularly for first-generation college students; examine jargon examples through research, data, and case studies; and determine steps to reduce jargon and broaden language and communication to all students and campus community members.

Thursday, November 6

First-Generation Networking Dinner

6pm-7:30pm, Clark Student Center Comanche

Network over dinner with professionals and peers!

Click here to RSVP online for the Professional Networking Dinner

Thursday, November 7

First-Gen Celebration

11am-1pm, Clark Student Center Atrium

Stop by for cupcakes, photo op, and goodie bags!

Follow us on Instagram @msutx_engagement to see First-Generation Highlights.

Stop by the Student Engagement Center (CSC 194) to visit the engagement bar for more First-Generation facts!

Check out our First-Generation Toolkit! Download our stickers and email signatures.