First-Generation Celebration Week uplifts Hokies with resources and connections
First-Generation Student Success offers a week of activities focused on the accomplishments and identities of first-generation students.
Many first-generation students pave a pathway for success as they navigate their journeys through college to pursue their dreams.
From Nov. 8-15, First-Generation Student Success will host First-Generation Celebration Week to honor their experiences through community events, educational socials, and professional development opportunities.
While Virginia Tech has over 5,700 first-generation students, First-Generation Student Success estimates that the exact number may be higher from confusion over the definition of first-generation. According to FirstGen Forward, as of 2020, 54 percent of undergraduate students nationally identified as first-generation when defined as an undergraduate student whose parents do not have a bachelor’s degree.
At Virginia Tech, a student is considered first-generation if neither parent nor guardian has completed a four-year degree at a college or university.
First-Generation Student Success' calendar of events corresponds with National First-Generation College Celebration Week, an annual recognition of the achievements of first-generation students and the advancement of inclusive access to education.
Programming for the week reflects a year-round commitment to supporting the success of first-generation students through work to raise awareness, cultivate community, and promote a welcoming, inclusive campus environment for them to thrive.
Through collaborations with university colleges and departments, the week celebrates the multifaceted first-generation student identity, recognizing students’ diverse contributions to the Virginia Tech community.
Join the celebration
Events are open to all students unless noted otherwise.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
1G@VT Taco Tuesday: 6:30-8 p.m., Newman Library Multipurpose Room. Join 1G@VT for a community dinner and culture night.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Trivia Night: 7-9 p.m., Graduate Life Center Auditorium. Join Student Engagement and Campus Life for a night of trivia and prizes.
Friday, Nov. 8
The Kick-off That Will Knock Your Socks Off: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Squires Information Booth. Visit First-Generation Student Success' booth to score a free pair of socks celebrating National First-Generation Celebration Week’s kickoff.
Lunch and Learn with the FDA: Using your STEM Degree at the Agency: 12:30-1:30 p.m., virtual opportunity. Register for the Zoom meeting with La-Nissa A. Brown-Baker and Celene Moorer from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to learn about STEM internship and job opportunities at the FDA.
First-Gen Takeover at Breakzone: 7-9 p.m., Breakzone in Squires. Join First-Generation Student Success in the Breakzone for a night of free games, pizza, and swag.
Monday, Nov. 11
First-gen and Financially Fit: 5-6 p.m., War Memorial Hall Room 243. Join First-Generation Student Success for an interactive discussion on financial wellness and for a chance to win an Amazon gift card.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Treats and Trivia in Torgersen: Noon-2 p.m., Torgersen Hall Atrium. The computer science undergraduate program will celebrate first-generation students with trivia, games, and free swag.
Dinner with the Dean – For Hokies First mentors and mentees: 6-8:30 p.m. Dean of Students Mark Sikes hosts a dinner with Hokies First leaders and participants.
First-Gen and Getting LinkedIn with Deloitte: 6:30-8 p.m., Newman Library Multipurpose Room. Join Deloitte professionals to learn how to build a professional profile to aid your job search.
Engineering the Future: Celebrating First-Gen Engineers: 7-8 p.m., West Ambler Johnson Multipurpose Room. Register to attend Virginia Tech Graduate School’s mixer with first-generation engineering students to celebrate, connect, and converse with peers, faculty members, and professionals.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
First-Gen Faculty and Student Mixer: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Holtzman Alumni Center. Join First-Generation Student Success' fifth annual mixer and dinner to celebrate and empower first-generation students' academic and professional journeys.
Thursday, Nov. 14
It’s All Greek to Me: 5-6 p.m., 1020 Torgerson Hall. Join Fraternity and Sorority Life’s student panel to explore Greek life opportunities on campus.
GenerationOne Game Night: 5-6:30 p.m., Slusher Tower fifth floor lounge. Join GenerationOne for a night of games, refreshments, and an opportunity to tour the first-generation living-learning community.
Friday, Nov. 15
Hokie Culture Crawl: 4-7 p.m., Squires Information Booth A. Register to participate in an exploration of the culture centers at Virginia Tech with the Virginia Tech Global Education Office.
Get involved year-round
The Virginia Tech First-Gen Forward Team includes faculty and staff from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs working to close the achievement gap of first-generation students compared to their continuing-generation peers. According to the University Data Commons, from 2022-23, there was a 3.6 percent increase in retention rate for first-year first-generation students, reflecting the impact of First-Generation Student Success programming and initiatives.
First-Generation Student Success works year-round to uplift the first-generation student population at Virginia Tech, offering resources and opportunities for students to foster connections and support each other academically, professionally, and personally
Learn more about year-round programming at the First-Generation Student Success website.
For additional questions about First-Generation Student Success or to learn about upcoming events by email, contact firstgen@vt.edu. For information about programs or upcoming events, visit First-Generation Student Success' Instagram page @vt1stgen.
