What is the National First-Generation College Celebration?

In November 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) partnered with the Center for First-Generation Student Success, which is an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation, to launch the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration. The now annual event, which is held each year on November 8 to commemorate the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, encourages colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the successes of the institution's first-generation faculty, staff, and students.

In 2018, the University of Iowa chose to extend the celebration to encompass a full week of events, which are hosted by departments and colleges across the university. Some events are targeted to specific populations, such as first-gen students in a specific college, while others are open to the entire campus community. 

2021 celebration dates are November 8 - 12. For a full list of events, visit our celebration schedule posted here.