Every November 8th, colleges and universities across the country celebrate first-generation college students, and the new paths they’re creating for themselves and their families. The national First-Generation College Celebration, often called National First-Gen Day, recognizes their achievements and the families, mentors, and communities who support them along the way.
Here’s a look at what the celebration is, who it honors, and how you can take part.
What Happens on National First-Gen Day?
The First-Generation College Celebration is an annual national event held on and around November 8th. Spearheaded by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward, the celebration was first held in 2017. November 8th is the anniversary of the signing into law of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created federal financial aid programs.
Colleges, universities, and education organizations use the day to honor first-generation students. Many also spotlight faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation students.
The celebration centers on the strengths first-generation students bring to college. It’s a day to recognize the determination, perspective, and accomplishments of students who are paving the way for their families.
Many campuses celebrate with a full week of events, from resource fairs and workshops to receptions where students, faculty, and staff share their first-gen stories.
Who Are First-Generation College Students?
Definitions vary from school to school. In general, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a college degree. Some colleges use a broader definition that includes anyone who is the first in their family to attend college.
First-generation students come from every background and walk of life. Some start college right after high school, while others return to school as adults, transfer from another institution, or attend while working and raising families.
What they share is the experience of being among the first in their families to navigate college. Along the way, many first-gen students become skilled at asking questions, seeking out resources, and building their support networks—strengths that serve them well in college and beyond.
How to Celebrate First-Generation Students
If you’re a first-gen student, attend events on your campus, connect with other first-gen students, and take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come.
If you’re a faculty or staff member who was a first-generation student, consider sharing your story. Knowing that a professor, advisor, or campus leader once walked the same or similar path can mean a lot to a student just starting out.
You don’t have to be first-gen to take part. Friends and family can ask a first-gen student about their goals, celebrate their milestones, and encourage them to use the academic, financial, and career resources their campus offers.
How Ball State Celebrates First-Generation Students
At Ball State University, a first-generation student is anyone who is the first in their family to attend college or whose parents or guardians did not complete a college degree. Nearly one in three Ball State undergraduates is a first-generation student.
Ball State marks the national celebration with First-Gen Week, a series of events that connects first-generation students with campus resources and with one another. The week includes the annual First-Generation College Celebration in the Vivian V. Conley and Hurley C. Goodall Jr. Multicultural Center, with refreshments, prize drawings, and conversations with first-generation students and staff. On November 4, 2026, “First-Gen & Study Abroad: Finding Your Path” covered the basics of studying abroad for first-gen students. You can find more on the first-generation events calendar.
Support for first-generation students continues all year. Ball State’s first-generation college students page connects students with resources such as academic advising, the Career Center, the Learning Center, and financial wellness support. The page also offers downloadable First-Generation to Fly logos, email signatures, door signs, and posters.
To hear directly from first-generation Cardinals, read the First-Generation Student Chronicles series. Legal studies major Jackie Williams shares how the Summer Bridge Program and REACH helped her adjust to college life. In another post, student success coach Amaya LeBlanc describes how she overcame setbacks as a first-gen student and now helps other students do the same.
Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college or cheering on someone who is, First-Gen Week is a chance to celebrate how far first-generation Cardinals have come.
