National First-Gen Celebration Day

First gen celebration week designed graphic

Celebrating the Contributions of First-Generation Communities

First-Gen Scholars

In honor of signing the Higher Education Act of 1965 that expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations, Nov. 8 is observed as National First-Generation Celebration Day. Championed by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success, the day brings awareness to the strengths as well as promotes visibility of first-generation college students, faculty and staff on campuses across the country.

At CU Boulder we seek to affirm the strengths and assets of our first-generation community members (students, staff, faculty and alumni). By centering storytelling, we illuminate the knowledge first-generation populations bring into academic spaces in order to carve out spaces of belongingness, while also promoting the important contributions of these individuals. This day is an opportunity to support, elevate and increase the visibility of being first generation on campus.

If you require accommodations, please email cisc@colorado.edu.

First-Gen Events

What’s Next?

Connect with first-gen faculty and staff on campus or with faculty and staff who have committed to being allies for the first-gen student community. 

First-Generation Faculty and Staff Directory 

Learn more about the history of National First-Generation Celebration Day and watch the video to hear from some of our amazing first-gen students.