9th Annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium
9th Annual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium
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February 2026
Join the Boston University Newbury Center, Duke University First-Generation Graduate Student Network, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Carolina Grad Student F1RSTS, along with our Cooperating Sponsor, FirstGen Forward, for our 8th annual symposium for graduate and professional students on February 2026 via Zoom. This national symposium is open to any student who identifies as a current first-generation graduate or professional student and is studying any discipline. We define a first-generation graduate/professional student as someone whose parents, guardians, or caregivers have not completed an advanced degree, e.g. master’s, doctoral, or professional degree (like a JD or MD).
Network Journey
We invite you to explore the three phases that make up the FirstGen Forward journey for an institution upon joining the Network. New institutions will begin in the Network Member phase before progressing through the journey to become a Network Champion!
Why Celebrate on November 8
FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.
FGCC strives not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. Through this intentional advocacy focus, FGCC engages key constituencies in building upon the work left unfinished by the HEA.
Click here to learn more about the HEA, the creation of Federal TRIO programs, and the history of the First-Generation College Celebration.
Plan Your Celebration
This year, we encourage you to celebrate the first-generation college student and graduate community in every way possible! From inviting speakers to hosting professional development events, the possibilities for celebration are endless.
Many single-day events have spawned month-long celebrations. Below, you'll find everything you need to begin planning your 2024 events.
Step-by-Step Planning Guide
101 Ways to Celebrate Blog
Design & Collateral Toolkit
Tag @COEtalk and @FirstGenForward and use the #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing your plans on social media!
Grant Opportunity
Each year, we’re pleased to award grants to NASPA- and COE-member institutions to aid them in reaching more first-generation college students or graduates; engaging more stakeholders; launching new first-gen-specific events or initiatives; and/or providing additional services around FGCC.
TRIO Program Resources
COE has created two resources to support TRIO fund recipients' First-Generation College Celebration participation. The first details relevant regulations and allowable cost categories, while the second shares tips for recognizing TRIO's 60th anniversary during your #CelebrateFirstGen events.
National Events
FGF and COE have co-hosted several national events highlighting different facets of the first-gen journey. In 2023, our event centered first-gen college students' career trajectories by featuring a panel of first-gen graduates who hold senior roles in some of the world's most recognizable companies.
Our Founders
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Purpose
This virtual symposium is exclusively for current first-generation graduate and professional students. While we greatly value the support of administrators, faculty, and staff, we kindly ask that registration be reserved for students due to the limited capacity of this event.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Registration
Before Registration Opens
More information about the 9th Annual First-generation Graduate and Professional Student Symposium will be available soon.
Once Registration Opens
Registration for this symposium is free for all graduate and professional students. If you have a NASPA account, please use your login credentials to complete the registration form. If you do not have a NASPA account, follow the guide below to set up your free account. Once your account is set up, use those login credentials to complete the registration form.
Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker will be announced soon!
More information about the 9th Annual First-generation Graduate and Professional Student Symposium will be available soon.
Tentative Schedule
| 12:30-12:40 pm | Welcome |
| 12:40-1:20 pm | Icebreaker/Networking |
| 1:20-1:30 pm | Break |
| 1:30-2:30 pm | Keynote Speaker |
| 2:30-2:40 pm | Break |
| 2:40-3:40 pm | Session 1 |
| 3:40-3:50 pm | Break |
| 3:50-4:50 pm | Session 2 |
| 4:50-5:00 pm | Closing Remarks |