View source for National First-Generation College Celebration Day

'''National First-Generation College Celebration Day''' (more commonly known as "National First-Gen Day") is an annual event held on November 8th to recognize and celebrate the achievements of [[First-generation college students in the United States|first-generation college students]] across the United States. Established in 2017 by the [[Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)]] and the [[Center for First-generation Student Success]], the day marks the anniversary of the [[Higher Education Act of 1965]], which helped expand access to higher education for underrepresented students. Institutions, organizations, and communities participate by hosting events, discussions, and support activities to honor first-gen students' unique challenges and successes. The celebration aims to raise awareness about the contributions of first-generation students and to foster supportive environments within educational spaces.
== History ==
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success (now known as First-Gen Forward) collaborated to establish the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=First-Generation College Celebration Day |url=https://coenet.org/first-generation-college-celebration-day/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Council for Opportunity in Education |language=en-US}}</ref> November 8th was chosen to commemorate the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act by then [[President Lyndon B. Johnson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=First-Generation College Celebration |url=https://firstgen.naspa.org/engagement/first-generation-college-celebration#:~:text=FGCC%20is%20celebrated%20annually%20on,investments%20in%20colleges%20and%20universities. |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=firstgen.naspa.org475e37a0-5d4e-11e9-8b3e0239e7c3884c |language=en}}</ref>
Colleges, universities, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools were invited to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni with targeted events such as guest speakers, film screenings, book discussions, and workshops.<ref name=":0" /> Giving first-swag items, like branded t-shirts and pennants were popular, and many institutions extended their celebrations for an entire week.
Celebrants are encouraged to promote their events on social media, using the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen.<ref name=":0" />
== Legislative designations ==
In April 2024, the California Assembly Higher Education Committee passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 147, authored by Assemblymember [[David Alvarez (politician)|David Alvarez]] (D-San Diego), who identifies as a first-generation college graduate.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title="California's First-Generation College Celebration Day" Passes Committee {{!}} Official Website - Assemblymember David Alvarez Representing the 80th California Assembly District |url=https://a80.asmdc.org/press-releases/20240409-californias-first-generation-college-celebration-day-passes-committee |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=a80.asmdc.org}}</ref> The bill designates November 8th, as "California's First-Generation College Celebration Day and it encourages all California higher education institutions to celebrate the achievements of first-generation college students and graduates.<ref name=":1" />
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:2017 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Annual events in the United States]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Higher education in the United States]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 2017]]