51社区

On Nov. 8, 51社区 will join college and university campuses around the nation as they hold rallies, panel discussions, listening sessions, celebrations, and more in recognition of their first-generation students, staff, and faculty.

The , in partnership with the , celebrated the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, 2017, with an event on Capitol Hill. This date marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act (HEA), which has helped millions of first-generation, under-resourced students persist to degree completion. 

At 51社区, First-Generation College Celebration activities will span several days.

We Are First, the first-generation student organization, will host a Pie a First-Gen Staff or Student fundraiser event Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. outside the fourth floor of Baker University Center.

First-generation students will receive recognition and giveaways at the football game in Peden Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

A panel of first-generation students, faculty and staff will share their stories and experiences at an event on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 1:30-3 p.m. in Alden Library鈥檚 Friends of the Library Room.

On Friday, Nov. 8, University community members can show their support for first-generation students by creating a First-Gen Pride Postcard at a table outside the fourth floor of Baker University Center between noon and 4 p.m.

According to Geonavin Hernandez, president of OHIO鈥檚 first-generation student organization We Are First, supporting first-generation students helps them attain their educational goals.

鈥淚t's important to support and celebrate first generation college students because college is a very challenging experience,鈥� said Hernandez. 鈥淚t's even more challenging when you're the first in your family to do it and have no familiarity with the campus, it's resources, and networks. Celebrating first-generation students creates an inclusive atmosphere which can inspire others to embrace their situation and identity.鈥�

鈥淔irst Generation students need to have a feeling of belonging and opportunities to celebrate their existence and contributions aid in their persistence to graduation,鈥� said Tammy Tucker, director of 51社区鈥檚 TRIO Student Support Services: College Achievement Program. 鈥淪upportive programing for our first-generation students creates positive change on our campus, in our communities and for our country.鈥�

Within University College at OHIO two programs have support for first-generation students at the core of their mission. TRIO Student Support Services, also known as the College Achievement Program (CAP) at 51社区, has provided specialized support services to first-generation and other select students for the past 40 years.

The OHIO First Scholars Program launched in 2015 with the mission to support the success, persistence and engagement of 51社区鈥檚 first-generation college students, while also serving as a resource to the larger university community on first-generation students.

鈥淎t 51社区 we are working collaboratively to support the needs, and celebrate the successes, of our first-generation students,鈥� said Angela Lash, director of the OHIO First Scholars Program. 鈥淲e look forward to celebrating our first-generation students as part of a nationwide event, but more importantly we celebrate and support our first-generation students throughout the year with First Gen Fridays and other specialized programming.鈥�

Through the OHIO First Scholars Program and the TRIO Student Support Services: College Achievement Program, first-generation students can access supplemental academic advising, mentoring, free tutoring, a dedicated student organization, a specialized seminar course, and more.