Navigating higher education as a first-generation student is a significant achievement, and many educational institutions actively support these trailblazers. November 8 marked the anniversary of the 1965 Higher Education Act, a landmark legislation that opened doors to college for first-generation students.
Each year on this day, we honor the students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
Wayne State University celebrated this occasion by hosting its inaugural First-Gen Fest on November 13, coinciding with the First-Generation College Celebration held nationwide on November 8.
According to Wayne State’s press release, over 7,000 undergraduate students—42% of the incoming class of 2024—identify as first-generation college students, meaning they are the first in their families to attend college.
To acknowledge and support its first-generation students, faculty, and staff, Wayne State organized a collaborative effort led by Warrior 360, the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, and Housing and Residential Life.
The event offered networking opportunities, discussions about the first-generation experience, resource connections, and social activities.
Notably, many faculty and staff members at Wayne State are also first-generation college graduates.
This includes Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., and Vice Provost for Student Success, Support, and Engagement Darryl Gardner, Ph.D., who is a three-time Wayne State alumnus.
Additionally, the First & Fierce scholarship supports first-generation students at Nevada State University.
To qualify for this scholarship, students must identify as first-generation college students, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and enroll in at least six credit hours. The application deadline is November 30, 2024.
Furthermore, the application deadline for the Ronald E. McNair Program has been extended to December 2, 2024.
This program is open to all majors, but applicants must be low-income (as defined by federal guidelines) and first-generation college students.
The First & Fierce scholarship is intended to support first generation students during their higher education career. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must identify as a first-generation college student, have and maintain a 2.0 GPA and enroll in at least 6 credits. pic.twitter.com/a961CASg0o
— Nevada State University (@NevadaStateU) November 22, 2024
More than 7,000 undergraduate Warriors are the first in their families to attend college. We honor their journeys by providing mentorship and support as they pursue successful careers and build prosperous futures. https://t.co/IcNB1o4j6N #WayneState #FirstGenerationDay #FirstGen
— Wayne State University (@waynestate) November 8, 2024
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