Texas A&M To Hold First-Generation Student Celebration

Texas A&M University will honor first-generation students Nov. 2-6 during the First-Generation College Celebration.

The virtual event will recognize first-generation students – those whose parents or guardians did not earn a college degree. It is sponsored by the Routh First-Generation Center and the Office for Student Success.

“The National First-Generation Celebration was established on Nov. 8, 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-generation Student Success, said Tim Scott, associate provost and head of the Student Success Initiative.

“First-Generation Aggies make up 24% of our student body and are integral to our land-grant mission for Texas. First-generation students overcome numerous obstacles to achieve their undergraduate degree, changing their lives, their families, their communities, and advancing our state and nation. It is only appropriate to celebrate these students each year, and their contributions to Texas A&M.”

Scott added that Texas A&M, as a First-Forward Institution, is committed to advancing educational outcomes for first-generation students.

Numerous events are planned, and students can also participate in a “You Belong Here Video” during which they can record a brief message of support to fellow Texas A&M first-generation students.

Several events will feature the overall significance if first-generation students.

One such event Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. is titled “You Belong Here: Faculty and Staff Empowering First-Generation College Students at Texas A&M.” The Routh First-Generation Center will host a panel for faculty and staff members. First-generation panelists will provide insights on existing first-generation practices, policies and programmatic efforts to help advance first-generation student outcomes. The panelists will discuss what it means to be a first-generation student at Texas A&M.