On Monday, November 8, Western New England University (WNE) joins colleges and universities across the country to celebrate National First-Generation College Student Day, a nationwide initiative by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).
In recognition of National First-Generation College Student Day, WNE celebrates all Golden Bear first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni while appreciating the great work being done by the Success First program on campus. The WNE community is encouraged to join in the celebration by viewing and sharing the WNE First-Generation College Student Day video on YouTube.
"If you’re a first-generation college student, I want you to understand that what you're doing is absolutely extraordinary," said Hailey MacDonald, a senior English major and first-generation college student. "You're the first person in your family to go have these experiences, to go to college, to take the initiative to receive a higher education."
Success First is a year-long program designed to help first-generation college students be successful through one-on-one mentoring, valuable workshops, group outings, and an opportunity to receive financial assistance for books and supplies. The goal is to help first generation students develop a sense of community with one another as well as a support system throughout campus.
Visit the WNE Success First office to learn more about first-generation programs and to pick up National First-Generation College Student Day buttons to show your support. Two buttons are available to celebrate first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni; one button for individuals who are first-generation students and one for individuals who support first-generation students.
Learn more about the WNE Success First program at wne.edu/ssc. Additional information about the COE and the Center for First-Generation Student Success is available at firstgen.naspa.org.
