SCU Celebrating National First Generation College Day Nov. 8
In the world of higher education, first-generation students are considered a treasured asset: hard-working students who can change the trajectory of future generations by being the first in their families to attend college.
On Friday, Nov. 8, colleges and universities around the country will be celebrating National First Generation College Celebration Day.
Santa Clara University’s celebration is open to media, and interviews can be arranged with some of SCU’s over 400 first-generation undergraduate or graduate students.
At Santa Clara University, care for first-generation students is part of the DNA of the private, Jesuit, Catholic University. SCU’s mission centers on supporting marginalized communities— including immigrant and low-income families from which many first-generation students come. These students make significant contributions to SCU’s campus and typically go on to use their education to give back to their families and communities—echoing SCU’s value to educate students to serve our society.
On Friday, special events throughout the day will draw attention and celebrate SCU’s over 400 outstanding first generation students —many of them participants in a growing specialized program for first-gen students called LEAD Scholars.
The Nov. 8 events at SCU, open to media, include:
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Outreach table in Benson Center, where everyone can get a sweet treat and giveaways, and faculty or staff who were first in their families to attend four-year college can get “I Am the First” placards to place in their offices.
- 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Panel of first-generation students and mental health professionals, discussing the unique challenges that first-gen students face to thrive on college campuses. California Mission Room of Benson Memorial Center.
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First generation celebration, complete with activities, photo booth, and music. California Mission Room of Benson Memorial Center.
Media Contact
Deborah Lohse | SCU Media Communications | dlohse@scu.edu | 408-554-5121
At SCU, first-generation LEAD Scholars attend a special week before classes start to build community and set the stage for success.