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 the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity’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 find academic, professional, and personal supports. These resources reflect the Virginia Tech Advantage commitment to offering a broad educational experience to all students, including those who have financial need.
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.
Written by Kyndall Hanson, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and philosophy, politics, and economics.
