November 8 is National First-Generation College Celebration Day
Celebrating a day dedicated to recognizing and uplifting first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. At Penn State University, we honor the resilience, strength, and achievements of our first-gen community. Through community outreach, support, and connection, we continue to build spaces where first-gen voices are heard, valued, and empowered.
First Gen Advocates Mission:
As an organization, we expanded National First-Generation College Student Day into a full week of celebration and community. This year, we’re honoring our first-gen students through a week-long series of events and recognition opportunities across the University, all designed to uplift, support, and celebrate the experiences of our first-generation community. Through these events, we aim to create spaces where first-gen students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
First Generation Celebration Week
Our most important events all in one week of the fall semester. First Generation Celebration Week, a week full of events dedicated to honoring the journeys, resilience, and achievements of first-generation students. Throughout the week, we create a space for reflection, celebration, and connection, allowing students to share their stories, feel seen, and recognize the hard work it took to get to where they are today. It was a powerful reminder that while each first-gen journey is unique, we are stronger when we come together as a community.
First-Gen Celebration Week Gallery
