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First-Generation College Celebration

First-Generation College Celebration

An annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.
FGCC Hero

Since the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward (FGF, formerly the Center for First‑Generation Student Success) hosted the inaugural celebration in 2017, colleges and universities, corporations, government leaders, nonprofits, and K–12 schools nationwide have united each year to uplift and honor the first‑generation community on and around November 8. Join us in collective action, growing visibility, and unwavering commitment to first‑gen students and their families.

FGCC is dedicated not only to celebrating first‑generation students’ contributions to their communities but also to driving systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first‑generation student success. Through this intentional advocacy focus, FGCC engages key constituencies in carrying forward and strengthening the unfinished work of the Higher Education Act (HEA).

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.

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 events.

Tag @COEtalk and @FirstGenForward and use the #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing your plans on social media!

Grant Opportunity

The application for the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration Grant Opportunity is closed! 

 

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Congratulations to the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration Grant Opportunity recipients!

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TIAA has generously sponsored the #CelebrateFirstGen Grant Opportunity.

TRIO Program Resources

COE has created a resource to support TRIO fund recipients' First-Generation College Celebration participation. The first details relevant regulations and allowable cost categories during your #CelebrateFirstGen events.

Previous Celebration Blogs 

Explore inspiring examples written by the host of previous events showcase how communities across the country have embraced the spirit of #CelebrateFirstGen, through innovative programming, student spotlights, and meaningful campus traditions. From event recaps to firsthand reflections, these stories demonstrate the power of recognition, support, and pride in the first-generation student experience.
First-Generation College Celebration Day

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

Jul 15, 2026
First-Generation College Celebration Day

Get Your Ducks in a Row with TRIO!

Apr 14, 2026
First-Generation College Celebration Day

101 Ways to #CelebrateFirstGen on November 8th

Apr 12, 2026