榴莲视频 became the first community college in the nation in 2020 to establish a chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for first-generation college students. Since then, 榴莲视频 has inducted 275 members into the honor society. Photo by Linda Johnson
榴莲视频 (榴莲视频) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. This grant, provided by the and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable 榴莲视频 to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.
COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like 榴莲视频 to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive."
Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments.
"We are thrilled to partner with 榴莲视频 and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities."
The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on Nov. 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, 榴莲视频 reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
鈥淪upporting first-generation college students is essential, as they are the trailblazers in their families, navigating the higher education landscape,鈥� said Dr. Stephanie Allen, Director of Equity, Diversity and Belonging at 榴莲视频. 鈥淏y fostering a welcoming, inclusive community on our campuses through dedicated programs and activities, we can help first-generation students build connections, gain confidence and achieve their academic and personal goals.鈥�
In observance of the First-Generation College Celebration, 榴莲视频 will be hosting engagement tables at its Pottstown Campus on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and its Blue Bell Campus on Thursday, Nov. 7. First-generation students and employees are invited to visit the tables, sign a banner, receive First-Gen giveaways and learn more about 榴莲视频鈥檚 chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society.
In addition to the engagement tables, 榴莲视频 will be hosting a roundtable discussion on Nov. 7 with guest panelists who will share their experiences and advice with first-generation students.
In 2020, 榴莲视频 became the first community college in the country to host a Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation students. Founded in 2018 at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Tri-Alpha recognizes individuals who are the first in their families to graduate from college. Last year, 榴莲视频 inducted 70 new members, adding to its roster of 275 total members. 榴莲视频 is now in the process of forming a club for first-generation students.
Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.
In honor of the inauguration of the College鈥檚 sixth president, Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, who is a first-generation college graduate, the College鈥檚 Foundation established 11 presidential scholarships (totaling more than $340,000) in 2021 for students, with a focus on first-generation college students.