Celebrate First-Gen. Advocate First-Gen. Request a 2026 State Proclamation.

Each year on November 8, the FirstGen Forward community proudly observes the First-Generation College Celebration in recognition of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This historic legislation helped expand access to higher education and created critical programs, including Federal TRIO programs, that continue to support access, retention, and completion for first-generation college students today.

As we look ahead to the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration, we invite institutions, first-gen champions, students, and partners to help elevate the visibility of first-generation students by requesting a state proclamation recognizing November 8 as First-Generation College Celebration Day.

A proclamation is more than a ceremonial statement. It is a public opportunity to affirm the contributions, strengths, and achievements of first-generation students while encouraging broader awareness among policymakers, the media, and communities across your state. It also creates a meaningful moment for institutions to connect first-generation student success to statewide priorities related to education, workforce development, economic mobility, and community impact.

Why Request a Proclamation?

A gubernatorial proclamation can help bring statewide attention to the first-generation student experience and the continued importance of advancing student success through a first-generation lens.

While proclamations do not carry the force of law, they are powerful awareness-building tools. They can help:

Publicly recognize first-generation students and their families;
Strengthen relationships with state leaders and policymakers;
Create opportunities for student storytelling and advocacy;
Generate media attention around First-Generation College Celebration activities;
Reinforce your institution’s commitment to student success, access, and completion;
Encourage cross-campus collaboration among government affairs, external relations, student success, communications, and student leaders.

When paired with campus celebrations, student voices, social media campaigns, or signing ceremonies, proclamations can become a powerful platform to #CelebrateFirstGen and #AdvocateFirstGen.

What Is a Proclamation?

A proclamation is a formal public statement issued by a governor to recognize a significant event, cause, or observance. Unlike legislation, proclamations typically do not require legislative approval and can often be issued through a state’s established request process.

Each state has its own guidelines, deadlines, and submission requirements, so early planning is key.

How to Get Started

If your institution is interested in pursuing a 2026 First-Generation College Celebration proclamation, consider the following steps:

1. Review Your State’s Proclamation Guidelines

Visit your governor’s official website and look for information under sections such as “Constituent Services,” “Contact Us,” or “Proclamation Requests.”

Pay close attention to submission deadlines, eligibility requirements, required draft language, formatting expectations, and any restrictions on content.

2. Engage Campus Partners Early

Before submitting a request, connect with your institution’s government affairs, external relations, communications, and student success teams. These partners can help ensure your request aligns with institutional priorities and follows the appropriate state process.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to involve first-generation students, student leaders, and campus organizations in the process.

3. Draft a Strong Proclamation

Most states require a draft proclamation as part of the submission. A strong draft should clearly explain why first-generation student success matters in your state and why November 8 is an important day of recognition.

When possible, include statewide data, institutional examples, or language that connects first-generation student success to access, completion, workforce readiness, and community impact.

4. Invite Feedback

Share the draft with key stakeholders before submitting. Government affairs, external relations, communications staff, students, and senior leaders can help strengthen the language and ensure the request is polished, accurate, and aligned.

5. Submit the Request

Once finalized, submit the request through your governor’s official process. Be sure the submitter meets any eligibility requirements, such as state residency or organizational affiliation.

After submission, stay in touch with your campus partners regarding follow-up, potential signing opportunities, and communication plans.

Make 2026 a Year of Visibility and Action

Requesting a First-Generation College Celebration proclamation is a meaningful way to honor first-generation students while advancing public awareness and advocacy. It creates space for students to see their identities celebrated, for institutions to demonstrate their commitment, and for states to recognize the powerful role first-generation students play in shaping our communities and future workforce.

As we prepare for the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration, we encourage you to consider how your institution can use this opportunity to elevate student voices, deepen partnerships, and shine a statewide spotlight on first-generation student success.

Interested in pursuing a 2026 proclamation? FirstGen Forward is here to help. Contact us for additional information, sample language, and support as you prepare your request at info@firstgenforward.org.

Let’s celebrate first-gen. Let’s advocate first-gen. Let’s make November 8, 2026, a powerful moment of recognition across the country.