National First Gen Student Day

A young adult sitting at a desk, wearing a graduation cap, using a laptop, surrounded by books, with a proud smile on their face.. — National first gen student day illustration

Hey there, fellow internet history explorers! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of National First Gen Student Day. This special day celebrates the achievements and challenges faced by first-generation college students. So let's embark on this educational journey together!

When is First Gen Student Day?

It's national first gen student day on the 9th November.

The Internet History of National First Gen Student Day

First Gen Student Day may be a relatively new addition to the national day calendar, but its significance cannot be overstated. This day shines a spotlight on the incredible achievements of those who are the first in their families to attend college.

With the rise of social media and online communities, National First Gen Student Day has gained traction, providing a platform for students, educators, and supporters to share their experiences and provide guidance to others.

Its online presence has been steadily growing, with 57 mentions detected online. The highest number of mentions was recorded on 09 Nov 2020. It's great to see this day gaining popularity and recognition!

On this day, colleges and universities across the country organize events and workshops to provide resources and support to first-generation students. It's all about fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating their resilience and accomplishments.

Did You Know?

Did you know that National First Gen Student Day was officially recognized in 2017? It was spearheaded by the Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education. These organizations recognized the need to honor and support the first-generation student community and established this special day to do just that.

So, if you're a first gen student or you know someone who is, make sure to give them a big high five and let them know how amazing they are. They're breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations!

History behind the term 'First Gen Student'

1966

Origins of the Term First-Generation Student

In 1966, the term 'first-generation student' was coined to describe individuals who were the first in their immediate family to attend a college or university. This term was initially used in the United States to recognize the unique experiences and challenges faced by these students, who often lacked the guidance and support networks that come with having parents who have already navigated the higher education system.

1966

Creation of Upward Bound program

The term 'first gen student' traces its origins back to 1966, with the creation of the Upward Bound program as part of the Higher Education Act. This federal program aimed to provide educational opportunities to low-income and underrepresented students and included a special focus on those who would be the first in their family to attend college. The term 'first gen' began to be used to describe these students who were breaking new ground in their families.

1966

Formation of Educational Opportunity Program

In 1966, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) was established in the United States as part of the Higher Education Act. The EOP aimed to increase access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds. This program paved the way for the term 'first gen student' to emerge, referring to students who are the first in their immediate family to attend college.

1967

Introducing 'First Generation' in Higher Education

The term 'first generation' began to gain recognition in the field of higher education in 1967. It emerged as a way to identify and support students who were the first in their families to pursue a college education. 'First gen students' often faced unique challenges and lacked the family experience and guidance typically available to those with a college-educated background.

1980s

Emergence of Programs and Support Services

During the 1980s, universities in the United States began to establish programs and support services specifically designed to address the needs of first-generation students. These initiatives aimed to provide academic, financial, and social support to help these students succeed in their college journeys. By recognizing the importance of providing tailored resources, universities sought to level the playing field and promote higher education access for all.

1972

Establishment of the Educational Opportunity Program

In 1972, the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) was established to further support disadvantaged students in their pursuit of higher education. Similar to the Upward Bound program, the EOP aimed to provide resources and access to education for students from low-income backgrounds. The term 'first gen student' continued to gain recognition and significance within the context of these programs.

1980s

Emergence of first gen student organizations

During the 1980s, a growing number of colleges and universities began to establish first gen student organizations. These groups aimed to create a sense of community and support among students who were the first in their families to attend college. The term 'first gen student' gained traction outside the realm of government programs and became more widely used across campuses.

1991

Federal Student Aid Definition

In 1991, the U.S. Department of Education officially adopted a definition for first-generation students for the purposes of federal student aid. According to this definition, a first-generation student is someone whose parents have not completed a bachelor's degree or higher. This definition became a widely accepted standard for identifying first-generation status, both within educational institutions and for research purposes.

1980s

Growing Awareness and Support

During the 1980s, there was a growing awareness of the importance of providing support and resources specifically tailored to the needs of first gen students. Colleges and universities began implementing programs and initiatives aimed at assisting these students in navigating the college experience. This period marked a significant step in recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by first gen students.

2003

First Gen Student Organizations

In 2003, the first national first-generation college student organization, '1vyG', was established at Ivy League schools. This organization sought to create a community and provide support for first gen students by fostering connections, sharing resources, and advocating for their unique needs. The formation of such organizations further highlighted the significance and impact of the term 'first gen student'.

2017

Increased Recognition and Support

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the challenges and strengths associated with being a first-generation student. Colleges and universities around the world have expanded their efforts to support these students by offering mentoring programs, academic resources, and financial aid initiatives. Additionally, various organizations, both on and off-campus, have emerged to provide guidance and advocate for the needs of first-generation students.

2000s

Increased research and recognition

In the 2000s, research on first gen students and their unique experiences gained momentum. Scholars focused on understanding the challenges and successes of first gen students and advocated for increased support in higher education institutions. The term 'first gen student' became entrenched in academic discourse, leading to a greater recognition of the importance of addressing their specific needs and creating inclusive environments.

Present

Ongoing advocacy and support

Today, the term 'first gen student' is widely recognized and embraced across the education community. There are various initiatives and support programs dedicated to assisting first gen students in their educational journey. These programs aim to alleviate barriers, provide mentorship, foster a sense of belonging, and empower first gen students to succeed in higher education. The term 'first gen' continues to hold cultural significance, representing the resilience and triumph of individuals who are paving the way for future generations.

2017

Recognition and Celebration

The term 'first gen student' gained increased recognition and celebration in 2017 when the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) designated November 8th as National First-Generation College Celebration Day in the United States. This annual day aims to honor and raise awareness about the accomplishments and experiences of first gen students, emphasizing their resilience and determination in pursuing higher education.

Did you know?

Did you know that National First Gen Student Day was officially recognized in 2017, thanks to the Center for First-generation Student Success and the Council for Opportunity in Education?