Throughout the nation, colleges and universities mark Nov. 8 as First Generation College Student Day! It’s a day of celebration and acknowledgement for those first generation college students who mustered the courage, fortitude, and resilience to embark upon the collegiate journey.
As shared by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA):
November 8th was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act (HEA) emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Much like the other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan program to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education. Additionally, HEA ushered in programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, necessary for postsecondary access, retention, and completion for low-income, potential first-generation college graduates.
In celebration… Yesterday, Harold Walalce III was the guest speaker for the second First Gen mentor/mentee lunch. The topic of the hour focused on the skill of “code switching.” Today, joining our community are colleagues from local high schools and surrounding colleges for the screening of Unlikely, a documentary of the journey of first generation college students. Followed by an intimate discussion lead by Harold Wallace III and Josua “JQ” Quinones. Decker 201 doors open at 1 p.m.
SUNY Broome recognizes all of our first generation college students, whether you are a currently enrolled student, staff or faculty. WE SALUTE YOU!
