What is First Gen Day?

First Gen Day in celebrated on November 8th and is the day that we celebrate first-generation students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year university including those who are the first in their family to attend a four-year university in the United States.

We celebrate First-Gen Day on November 8th in honor of the day that Lydon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965. This act has since contributed to the aiding of recruitment, retention, and completion of many college students across the United States

First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.

Visit the FirstGenForward (FGF, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success) site here!

Due to the vast First-Generation student population at the University of Houston, the Center for Student Empowerment has planned a weeklong celebration. Across campus departments are preparing events ranging from community building, luncheons, and workshops focusing on First-Gen student engagement. All festivities build up to First Gen Bash on November 8th and will be held in Student Center South Houston Rm from 2 pm to 5 pm. Event details to be updated as date gets closer.

CSE First-Gen Event Line Up

First-Gen Week 2025 Event Calendar Coming Soon.