Division of Undergraduate Studies

Each November, Penn State joins colleges and universities across the nation in recognizing National First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8. Established by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success, the holiday marks the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created a range of initiatives to expand access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. Penn State’s 2021 celebration will include several events and festivities. 

This year's events include: 

Monday, November 8:

• Prizes and Giveaways in the HUB-Robeson Center - Drop by from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for a chance to win prizes, including a drawing for a bookstore voucher! You can also meet the Student Success Center team and members of the First Gen Advocates (FGA) student organization and find out how to join Penn State’s first-gen community.
• Keynote Speaker Eric Thomas, 6 p.m.: - His keynote will focus on building resilience and the importance of working through transitions and establishing interdependence for first-generation students. Register online.

Tuesday, November 9:

• Prizes and Giveaways in the HUB-Robeson Center - Drop by from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. for a chance to win prizes, including a drawing for a bookstore voucher! You can also meet the Student Success Center team and members of the First Gen Advocates (FGA) student organization and find out how to join Penn State’s first-gen community.
• “Voices of the Penn State First-Gen Community,” 4:30–5:30 p.m. - This (virtual) community panel discussion will feature Penn State students, faculty, administrators, and campus leaders who will share their experiences and personal journeys as first-generation college students as well as offer advice for current and future first-generation students. Join us online via Zoom or come watch the panel with members of FGA in HUB Room 324.
• Trivia Night, 6 p.m. - Join FGA for a fun evening of trivia! This hybrid event invites participation from undergraduate and graduate students from any Penn State campus, including World Campus. This event will commence following the viewing of the community panel. Join us in HUB Room 324 or play nline.

Wednesday, November 10:

• “We Are First-Gen: Bridging intersecting stories of the Penn State student experience,” 5–6 p.m. - This (virtual) all-student panel discussion will focus on intersectional identities in the first-generation student experience. The panel is co-hosted by the Office for Adult Learner Programs and Services and Veteran Affairs and facilitated by undergraduate student Ryan Becker. Panelists will share details of their journeys as first-generation college students at Penn State while addressing the impact and value of intersectionality. Join us onlne via Zoom or come watch the panel with members of FGA in HUB Room 324.
• Student Networking Event, 6 p.m. - FGA will host a mixer following the viewing of the student panel. This hybrid event invites participation from undergraduate and graduate students from any Penn State campus, including World Campus. Join us in HUB Room 322 or participate online.