What is National First-Generation Week?
On November 8th, colleges and universities across the country recognize First-Generation students, faculty and staff. This date commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention, and graduation of First-Generation, low-income students.
November 8, 2022, marks the 57th anniversary of the signing of the HEA. Since its passage, millions of First-Generation, low-income/under-resourced students have been helped along their path to completing college degrees by programs created by the act. Here at MSU Denver, we feel that one day is just not enough to honor our amazing first-generation students, faculty, and staff, so we are taking the whole week to celebrate them.
MSU Denver defines a First-Generation college student as a student who comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians obtained a four-year degree. Additionally, students whose siblings went to college are classified as First-Generation.
During National First-Generation Week, MSU Denver’s First-Generation Initiatives Program will facilitate programs and events that highlight the awareness of First-Generation students, staff, and faculty. The community will learn about, but not limited to Imposter Syndrome and strategize ways to overcome it; the needs of First-Generation students on MSU Denver campus; how First-Generation MSU Denver Alumnae navigated their college experience; and the transition they experienced into the workplace.