National First-Generation College Celebration
Celebrated annually on November 8th, First-Generation College Celebration Day focuses on the successes of first-generation students nationwide.
At UND, this year we will be hosting a week of events to celebrate the Hawks that are 'First to Fly!'
Upcoming First to Fly Events
About First-Gen
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration! Given the continued success of this event, COE and the Center now partner to make this celebration an annual event. Nationwide, schools and communities are celebrating first-generation college students, graduates, faculty, and staff.
What is First-Generation?
The federal definition officially developed for TRIO program acceptance and to determine eligibility for Pell Grants indicates first-generation students come from families where their parents/guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
Why First-Gen Matters
- Today, 1 in 3 undergraduates - nearly 5M students - identify as first-generation.
- Compared to legacy student peers, first-gen students:
- Have fewer financial resources ($41k median parental income vs. $90k).
- Pursue college-level education at lower rates (72% vs. 93%).
- Attain four-year degrees at lower rates (20% vs. 49%).
- Median career earnings of a non-college graduate are $1M less than a college graduate.
- First-gen student population will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, as the pipeline of first-time undergraduates is heavily weighted with first-gen students.
- Institutions of higher education must shift their mindsets and priorities to better serve first-gen students in order to survive, thrive, and meet their missions.
- Addressing first-generation success has intergenerational impact, as successful college completion is a significant predictor of education, workforce and life success for the families of graduates.