The History of First-Generation College Celebration

The November 8 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.