Sacramento State will join universities and colleges across the nation to host the National First-Generation College Celebration on November 8.

November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The Higher Education Act (“HEA”) emerged out of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Much like other hallmark legislation of that era, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, HEA was intended to help level a playing field that for too long had been weighed against Americans from minority and low-income backgrounds. In addition to creating federal grants and loan programs to help students finance their educations, the legislation made key investments in institutions of higher education.

Sacramento State is designated by NASPA and the Suder Foundation as a First-gen Forward Institution. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes Institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

If you have any questions or to request accommodations, please contact: first.gen@csus.edu

The Goal

The goal is to increase the sense of belonging for students who identify as first-generation college students and capture powerful narratives as a way to recognize first-generation experiences.

Topics, Time, and Location

9 am: Coffee, Donuts and Conversation: Connecting First-Generation Students, Faculty and Staff

11 am: A Changing Workforce: Employability Skills You Need to Become Successful

12 pm: Tips, Tricks and Techniques: How to Build Your Network as a First-Generation Student

2 pm: Getting Involved on Campus: Referrals and Resources First-Generation Student

2 pm: Supporting First-Generation Students: What I Should Consider *for faculty and staff

3:00pm: Being First: Understanding the Needs of First-Generation Professionals *for faculty and staff

3 pm: First but Not Alone: Cultural Centers mixer for First-Generation students

4 pm: I am First: Graduate School Options and Opportunities

In Partnership With

• APIDA Center,
• Serna Center,
• MLK Center,
• Esaktima Center,
• Faculty Student Mentor Program, and
• DEGREES Project