ISU Celebrates First-Generation Students with a Week of Events

National First-Gen Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students. TRIO program professionals were also the first to advocate for first-gen communities by working to help make these terms part of the  legislative language supporting historically underserved communities. 

According to the federal definition, an individual is a first-generation student if neither biological/adoptive parent has completed a bachelor's degree prior to the individual turning 18 years of age. Whether you are a first-generation student, faculty, or staff person, or a first-gen ally, we encourage everyone to come together in this celebratory week of awareness and enjoy a variety of events and activities, including a luncheon on each of ISU’s campus locations, a proclamation from Governor Brad Little, and a celebration of first-generation student veterans. 

There will also be a chance to nominate exceptional first-generation students, faculty, staff, and their supporters across all our campuses (Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Meridian, and Twin Falls). To nominate individuals, please submit a nomination form.  In addition to these events, ISU is encouraging everyone to share their unique first-generation journey or wisdom they wish they'd known in their college days. You can do this by using the hashtag #ISUfirstgens on social media or by visiting the ISU First-Generation website.