On November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the U.S. recognized National First-Generation College Celebration Day. This year also marked the first commemoration of California's First-Generation College Celebration Day, following legislation sponsored by Assemblymember David Alvarez and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in early 2024.
The California State University—where 30% of students are the first in their families to attend college—celebrated with events across the system.
Chico State held a National First-Generation Week, which included a graduate student panel on the first-generation experience, an Election Day art therapy workshop, a first-generation social and a first-generation healing circle.
Chico State students meet at the First-Generation Social. (Photo courtesy Jason Halley/Chico State)
Students participated in a first-generation healing circle at Chico State. (Photo courtesy Jason Halley/Chico State)
Cal State Fullerton held an extended National First-Generation College Student Week, running November 6-13, with various workshops on topics like disability resources, imposter syndrome, social expectations, careers and graduate school and mental health. One even focused on professional development for faculty and staff. On the final day, the First-Gen Celebration included free food, giveaways, music and a resource fair.
At
Fresno State, the First-Generation College Celebration featured Stress Jeopardy hosted by the Student Health and Counseling Center, crafting activities from the Student Union and a “Good Morning Commuters" event with free food and resource tables from Student Involvement. The week culminated on Thursday with an event hosted by the
Educational Opportunity Program that included a resource fair, an alumni and graduate student panel, and an induction ceremony for the newest members of
Alpha Alpha Alpha—an honor society for first-generation students.
Fresno State students at the First-Generation event held by the Educational Opportunity Program.
First-Generation College Student Week at
Cal Poly Pomona featured graduate student testimonials, workshops and a resource fair—as well as opportunities for fun like a book signing, a Día De Los Muertos celebration and a volleyball tailgate.
Hosted by a collection of programs and departments,
Cal Poly Humboldt's First-Generation College Student Celebration Week included workshops on graduate school and research, a sound bath, a “Flourish in Community" activity where students helped create zines on what it means to be first-generation, and a culminating celebration at the Goodwin Forum.
A Cal Poly Humboldt student attends the university's National First-Generation College Celebration Day event.
Cal State Long Beach likewise held a week-long celebration. Sponsored by a number of campus organizations, events included a post-election safe space, mental health and networking workshops, a bowling social and a campus celebration with speakers and a mixer.
Stanislaus State hosted a week of engaging activities for its First-Generation Celebration, including a Paint Party with the Black Faculty and Staff Association, a First-Gen Votes event when students could get guidance for voting on election day, a poetry workshop, a karaoke night and a brunch.
The Stanislaus State team helps first-generation students vote on election day.
A first-generation student at Stanislaus State casts her ballot.
San Diego State recognized National First-Generation College Celebration with a week of mentoring sessions, interactive activities with the College of Arts and Letters and an event at Scripps Cottage featuring lunch and giveaways.
For the first time,
San José State held a First-Generation College Celebration week. In addition to workshops and tabling events, the university hosted a First-Gen Voices Panel with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and a Veterans Day ceremony.
San José State staff help first-generation students connect with resources.
Sacramento State held a day-long National First-Generation College Celebration packed with workshops on careers, graduate school and campus life—including two intended for faculty and staff serving first-generation students. The day also held opportunities for first-generation students to meet each other, campus center staff and faculty.
The one-day First-Gen College Celebration at
CSU Dominguez Hills, hosted by a number of campus partners, included remarks from CSUDH ASI President Edgar Mejia-Alezano, a panel discussion, table conversations and giveaways.
CSUDH ASI President Edgar Mejia-Alezano addresses the audience at the university's first-generation event.
To help empower future first-generation leaders,
CSU San Marcos held a Virtual First-Gen CSUSM Alumni Panel, featuring alumni in various industries who shared about their career success stories.
Cal State LA similarly held a panel where first-generation staff and students discussed coping with imposter syndrome, the experience of being accepted into college and the importance of mentorship.
Linda Lopez, Cal State LA director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, shares her experience as a first-generation college student during a panel discussion.
Finally,
CSU Channel Islands will hold its First-Generation College Student Day Celebration event on the university's Central Mall on November 19 due to an earlier postponement. Students can pick up first-generation swag, get access to resources and more.
Read about some
first-generation CSU leaders, and explore
resources for undocumented and mixed-status students.