Article
October 28, 2024
Written by Deanna Herbert
Week-Long Celebration to Honor First-Generation College Students
Celebrating the unique challenges and contributions of first-generation college students, faculty and staff.
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is hosting a week-long series of events for First-Generation College Celebration Day to recognize the trailblazing students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.
Started in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success), the celebration lands on Nov. 8 every year. The date commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. With more than 40% of UNC’s undergraduates identifying as first-generation college students, the university offers dedicated programs and resources to promote their success.
“Navigating college as a first-generation student often means facing unique barriers, like understanding complex systems, finding resources or simply feeling a sense of belonging,” said Flora Powells, M.A., director of UNC’s Center for Human Enrichment (CHE), a TRiO Student Support Services Program.
“Through TRIO programs like CHE, I was able to experience the power of a committed support system that helped me open doors I didn’t even know existed,” continued Powells. “UNC and CHE are committed to first-generation student success by providing guidance, community, and students with the tools they need to thrive on campus.”
RELATED: First-Generation Graduates Look Back at Their Trailblazing Journeys
As a new member of the 2024 FirstGen Forward Network, UNC is ramping up efforts for this year’s celebration, kicking off a week-long series of programming and events on Monday, Nov. 4, to celebrate the unique challenges and contributions of first-generation students, faculty and staff.
Departments from across the university are participating in this year’s celebration, hosting listening panels showcasing first-generation student success, celebration lunches and a career panel for first-generation alumni. Several promotional activities and materials will also be on display to show support for the university’s first-generation faculty, staff and students.
The university is also launching their first District 6 and UNC First-Generation Initiative this year. Staff will be at D6 Online, Greeley Central, Greeley West, Jefferson and Northridge high schools throughout the week handing out I’m First t-shirts to local junior and senior high school students participating in first-generation programming and services.
According to Pete Lien, associate vice president of Enrollment Services, celebrating future first-generation college students in local high schools can influence students’ academic and personal growth and strengthen community relations. It also aligns with UNC’s mission of increasing educational access and opportunity.
“As an active part of this community, we have a responsibility to create a college going culture with our local first-generation students, regardless of whether the choose to enroll at UNC or somewhere else.”
UNC Recognized as FirstGen Forward Network Member
UNC’s First-Gen Students are Highly Involved and Engaged
Percent of first-gen students represented in the following programs:
Soar — 60%
Stryker Institute for Leadership Development — 90%
Student-athletes — 23%
LEAP Scholars — 100%
McNair Scholars — 95%
Reisher Scholars — 73%
Center for Urban Education students — 93%
CHE/SSS — 100%
Enroll in University 101 — 50%
UNC’s Honors Program — 50%
Undergraduate Research Mentoring summer program — 66%
Cumbres — 67%
Education Abroad — 50%
This year’s expanded programming supports UNC’s recent selection as a member of the 2024 FirstGen Forward Network. To become a member, institutions have to demonstrate a commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for UNC to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know UNC will be a significant contributor.”
UNC has a long history of providing programs and services to ensure that first-generation students receive the financial, social and learning support they need to be successful. This includes UNC’s First-Generation Student Scholarship and other scholarship programs that offer wrap-around services such as the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development, Reisher Scholarship Program and TRIO programs. It also includes programs that enhance sense of belonging such as living-learning communities and applied learning opportunities, as well as mentoring programs and UNC’s first-year seminar, University 101.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to learn and employ new ways to scale practices that are effective in serving first-generation students,” said Jenna Finley, Ed.D., associate vice president of Student Affairs. “We’ll also benefit from shared best practices as we engage with peer institutions doing this same kind of work. As a new Hispanic Serving Institution, this will be particularly helpful as we investigate more ways to serve our first-generation, Hispanic and Latine-identifying students.”
Visit UNC’s first-generation college student website:
