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Educational Opportunity Program and
Special Support Programs

National First-Generation College Day

National First Generation Day Logo
National First-Generation College Day is Friday, November 8th

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.

Register at https://fresnostate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3rX1tBoFpFNZ8TY

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

Two Fresno State Students at a resource fair

Monday, November 4, 2024, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Resnick Student Union (RSU), Room 207

Stress Jeopardy (for students only), hosted by the Peer Ambassadors of Wellness (PAWs), Student Health & Counseling Center 

Explore unconventional ways to unplug from stress and connect to resources with a fun game of Jeopardy.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (come when you can and leave when you must), Resnick Student Union rooms 206, 207, and 209

Arts & Crafts (while supplies last)

Join us for fun activities, network, and share your Fresno State and first-gen pride. Participate in all of the activities for a goody bag (while supplies last).

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Speaker’s Platform (between the Fresno State Library and the Professional Human Services (PHS) Building)

Good Morning Commuters, hosted by Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL), Student Involvement

Free donuts, coffee and fruit for Bulldog Commuter students.  EOP and TriAlpha will be tabling to share information about first-generation college students and to promote First-Gen Connect: Engage, Learn, Celebrate.

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Satellite Student Union (SSU)

First-Gen Connect: Engage, Learn, Celebrate

Connect and celebrate with your campus community and alumni.  Enjoy music, a resource fair, speakers, and a graduate student/alumni panel highlighting the first-generation college experience, and a Allpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Induction Ceremony.  The Tri-Alpha membership/nomination form is open through October 22, and can be accessed at https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/trialpha/index.html.  Tri-Alpha is a national honor society for first-generation students that provides its members with mentorship and leadership opportunities, academic and personal resources, and promotes academic excellence. Tri-Alpha is also open to faculty, staff, and alumni.

10:00 a.m. Resource Fair starts, Photo Booth

10:15 a.m. Land Acknowledgement & University Welcome

10:35 a.m. Presentation of Program Certificates

10:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Varaxy Yi, Ph.D., Associate Professor, KSOEHD

11:30 a.m. Resource Fair

12:00 p.m. Graduate/Alumni Panel

1:00 p.m. Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony 

(Tri-Alpha applications open until October 22, 2024)

1:30 p.m. Closing remarks, Gratitude, Resource Fair (open until 3 p.m.)

Friday, November 8, 2024, National First-Generation College Celebration 

Social Media Highlights

Highlight your first-gen pride using hashtags #CelebrateFirstGen #BulldogSuccessStory #FirstGenBulldogPride #BulldogFirst #BulldogFirstGenDay.

You can use the following templates, in Canva. If you do not have a Canva account, you can create a free account here. 

Social Media Posts 

  • Access the template here and select "Use Template." 
  • Upload a photo of choice and place it on the template to replace the photo frame. 
  • Edit the position of your photo by double clicking on the photo and repositioning to your choice. 
  • Select "Download." 

o There are multiple options to choose from, so be sure to identify which post(s) you desire in the "Select Page(s)" menu. 

Social Media Stories 

  • Access the template here and select "Use Template." 
  • Upload a photo of choice and place it on the template to replace the photo frame 
  • Edit the position of your photo by double clicking on the photo and repositioning to your choice. 
  • Select "Download." 

o There are multiple options to choose from, so be sure to identify