First-Generation College Celebration

What is the First-Generation College Celebration?

FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to promote greater awareness of the experiences and successes of first-generation college communities across the nation. At Salem State University, the First-Generation Student Success Center and First Year Experience, in partnership with other Salem State offices, lead the annual celebration with events for students, staff and faculty. These events showcase student successes and experiences, present student-led panels, promote college support structures, and otherwise celebrate the first-generation community in a multitude of ways.

How can I participate in the celebration?

**First-Generation Week Events**
Students	All SSU students/faculty/staff	All SSU students/faculty/staff
Fearless First photoshoot! Book a spot in the annual with this link!	Student Panel	First-Generation Student Success Center opening
Tuesday 7th, 1-4pm North Campus dining, 2nd floor.	Tuesday 7th, 4-5pm Charlotte Forten Legacy Room, Meier Hall, 316 B	Wednesday 8th, 1-3pm Administration Building, North Campus 202

First-generation students: Learn about the RISE program and the First-Generation Student Success Center! Learn about the Tri-Alpha honors society! Join the First-Generation Student Community! Download the “first-gen voices” PDF below, write your story of what it means for you to be a first-gen student, and send it to firstgen@salemstate.edu!

Faculty and Staff: join the First-Generation Yearbook initiative! Send us tips and tricks for our first-generation students! Download the “first-gen voices” PDF, write your story of what it meant for you to be a first-gen student, and send it to firstgen@salemstate.edu!

All SSU students/faculty/staff: Post and follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

History of the First-Generation College Celebration

The November 8^th date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This was the founding act that created federal financial aid programs to fund educational opportunities for underserved communities across the United States, and make key investments in colleges and universities.

The national first-generation celebration was launched in 2017 by the Center for First-Generation Student Success and the COE. Since then, a growing number of institutions have used this celebration to create their own events, enter the First Scholars Network, and promote systemic change for first-generation learners.