Educational Opportunity Program and
Special Support Programs
National First-Generation College Day
National First-Generation College Student Day is a dedicated occasion to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and pioneering spirit of students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Recognizing the unique challenges they face, this day not only honors their personal and academic accomplishments but also highlights the strength and determination it takes to break familial and societal barriers.
Through this celebration, we aim to raise awareness about the experiences of first-generation college students, foster a supportive community, and advocate for resources and policies that enhance their college experience. Join us in saluting these trailblazers as they pave the way for future generations, setting precedents in academia and beyond.
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Location: Satelite Student Union (SSU)
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
National First Generation College Day is open to all who are interested in participating, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.
The term "first-generation college student" can be defined differently by various institutions and organizations. Generally speaking, a common definition is:
"A first-generation college student is an individual who is the first in their immediate family to attend and/or complete college. This typically means that neither of their parents earned a four-year college degree."
However, it's important to note that nuances in this definition can exist. TRIO programs, for example, extend the definition to include students if neither parent received a four-year college degree in the United States which highlights the “hidden curriculum” and nuances of navigating schools in a different country.
- National First-Generation College Day is November 8 – to honor the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
- The Higher Education Act created the programs that coined the term "first-generation" to college students: TRIO Programs.
- First-Gen students are any students whose parent did not complete a 4-year degree.
Celebration Events
10:45 a.m. Check-in starts (Meet & Greet Interactive Activity)
11:00 a.m. Welcome
11:15 a.m. FREE! Pizza & Refreshments (while supplies last)
11:30 a.m. Dr. Elvia Rodriguez, Keynote Speaker
12:00 p.m. Q&A with Keynote Speaker
12:15 p.m. Activities:
- First Gen Story Wall
- Design your Scholar Notebook
- Meet & Greet (Interactive Activity)
1:25 p.m. Closing remarks, Gratitude
N’Gai Washington is a first-generation Fresno State student majoring in Mass Communications and Journalism with a minor in American Sign Language. He is a Strategic Communications Student Intern with Fresno State Athletics and also gains live broadcast experience through Bulldog Vision, supporting his goal of a career in sports broadcasting.
N’Gai is a Maxine McDonald Residential Scholarship recipient, student mentor, and Student Leadership Recognition Award recipient. He is also active in community service and continues to grow as a storyteller and leader.
Dr. Elvia Rodriguez was born and raised in a small town in the Central Valley. She is the proud daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college student. Dr. Rodriguez began her college education at Fresno State in 2002. Majoring in History, she earned her B.A. in 2006 and went on to earn a Master's in the same discipline in 2006. Continuing her education, she attended U.C. Riverside and earned her Ph.D. in 2013. In 2015, she returned to Fresno and began teaching at Fresno State. Dr. Rodriguez is currently faculty in the departments of History and Chicano and Latin American Studies.
Dr. Rodriguez’s undergraduate studies were aided by the Educational Opportunity Program. She was a student who never missed her counselor or peer mentor appointments. She also served as a peer mentor in the academic year and during Summer Bridge. E.O.P. is a huge reason she achieved her goals.