UCCS is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. This grant, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable UCCS to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.
“First2Go is immensely proud and grateful to have received the grant for our 2024 First-Generation College Celebration Week, which will run from November 4 to November 8,” said Ashley San Miguel, First2Go Program Coordinator. “Our priority is to celebrate, support, and recognize the hard work of the first-generation community at UCCS. This grant empowers us to expand our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for first-gen students. We are excited to use these resources to highlight the journeys, achievements, and contributions of our first-gen students, faculty and staff. Go Mountain Lions!”
The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education.
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 UCCS 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 UCCS and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re 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.”
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.
For more information about the university’s initiatives for first-generation college students, please contact Ashley San Miguel at [email protected] or visit first2go.uccs.edu.
About the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Nearly a million low-income students and students with disabilities receive college access and retention services each year through our member colleges and agencies.
About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career, and life.