First-Generation College Students
At Penn College, we celebrate the first-generation college student experience. You are a force of inspiration and empowerment. Together, we can transform tomorrow.
What is a first-generation college student?
A first-generation college student is defined as someone having parents or guardians who have not earned a four-year college degree. Nearly 47% of Penn College students identify as first-generation. We also have former first-generation college students among our faculty and staff.
Future Made By Hand
Join the community.
Whether you're a first-gen college student, a champion, or both, raise your hand and your voice. Together, we can boost awareness and embolden the first-gen journey. Identify via the form below to learn about upcoming initiatives and engagement events designed to build a community of advocates across campus.
Upcoming Events
New Student First-Gen Information Session
If you are a new student who identifies as first-generation, stop by the Hudock Center classroom on Thursday, January 16th at 4:30pm to meet other first-gen students and staff. Hear about opportunities for first-gen students on our campus. Learn about some of the unfamiliar terms, offices, and people that will be a part of your Penn College journey. Get your questions answered as you begin to navigate your college experience.
DJG 1049, 4:30 p.m.
January
16
Opportunities to Connect
Check back here frequently for upcoming opportunities to connect with other first-generation students around campus.
Monday, January 20th through Sunday, February 1st, 2025
Alpha Alpha Alpha Applications Open
If you are a first-generation college student interested in joining Alpha Alpha Alpha, a National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students, fill out an application at Engage.pct.edu. Three information sessions will be provided for students: January 20th, January 21st, and January 28th.
Monday, January 20th at 6:30 p.m. via Teams
Alpha Alpha Alpha Virtual Information Session
Students who are interested in joining Alpha Alpha Alpha, a National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students, are invited to join us for a virtual information session via Teams. Eligibility requirements will be discussed. Teams link can be found on the event page at Engage.pct.edu.
Tuesday, January 21st at 2:45 p.m. DJG 1049
Alpha Alpha Alpha Information Session
Students who are interested in joining Alpha Alpha Alpha, a National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students, are invited to join us for an information session in the Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence. Eligibility requirements will be discussed. More information and the link to RSVP can be found on the event page at Engage.pct.edu.
Tuesday, January 28th at 2:45 p.m. DJG 1049
Alpha Alpha Alpha Information Session
Students who are interested in joining Alpha Alpha Alpha, a National Honor Society for First-Generation College Students, are invited to join us for an information session in the Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic Excellence. Eligibility requirements will be discussed. More information and the link to RSVP can be found on the event page at Engage.pct.edu.
Sunday, January 26th at 4 p.m.
Groups@PCT: First-Gen Meet-Up
Join other first-generation students for an hour of socializing and connection. Card games or another activity will be provided. January 26th will include information about joining Tri-Alpha for those interested. This social group will meet the last Sunday of every month this semester in the Campus Center, CC105c.
First-Generation College Celebration
The national First-Generation College Celebration takes place on November 8. This date was selected to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, creating federal financial aid programs, which reduce barriers to first-generation student success.
Penn College celebrates this occasion during the week of November 4-8. Check out events from our 2024 celebration and join us for opportunities to enhance your first-generation journey in the future.
Build Financial Literacy
Budgeting Session
Students dropped by the Hudock Center for a session on budgeting and financial literacy to kick-off first-gen celebration week. They learned tips and tools for managing money and making the most of their resources.
Connect & Socialize
Tuesday Night Bingo
Did you know First-Gen Celebration coincides with Veteran's Week? In collaboration with the Student Veterans Organization, we hosted a special edition of Campus Bingo. Students won cool prizes and received information about both student veterans and first-generation college students.
Encourage Growth
Speaker Lasada Pippen
Lasada "LP" Pippen shared his story with students and the community in two events on campus. This former computer engineer and first-generation college graduate has a message to share about turning obstacles into opportunities. He also recorded an episode of the Penn College Tomorrow Makers podcast, available now.
Explore New Resources
Dr. Welch Workshop Exploration
The Dr. Welch Workshop was a busy place during the 2024 celebration. Students took advantage of the makerspace and created something using some of the free resources Penn College students have access to.
Find Resources
Financial Aid Info Session
Students had a chance to connect with someone in Financial Aid to learn about resources their office has to offer. Key dates and information about upcoming FAFSA applications were shared during this session.
Past Event Highlights
Fall 2024 Celebration Keynote Speaker: Lasada Pippen
Students had the opportunity to hear former computer engineer and first-gen college graduate, Lasada Pippen. His story and message about turning your obstacles into opportunities encouraged students to shift their mindset.
November
06
In the Media
Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast
industry news
First-gen celebration aims to enhance journeys
First-Generation College Celebration Week at Penn College featured an array of exploration and information, highlighted by Lasada “LP” Pippen, a former computer engineer turned motivational speaker.
Tomorrow is in the Making
“If you’re a first-generation student, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Connect with other first-gens (of all ages and experience levels) to see how we did it!”
Summer Bukeavich
Associate Professor, Business Administration/Management & Marketing
“Being a first-gen student means doing hard things but feeling greater success.”
Kaysey Beury
Coordinator of Student Success Solutions
“Being a first-generation college student didn't mean as much to me as it did to my parents. I will be forever grateful for my parents and their ability to see what was best for me, even when I couldn't see it for myself.”
Chuck Crews, Jr.
Assistant Director for Secondary Partnerships
“As a first-generation student, I was able to open doors that might not have opened otherwise. It’s not only about the education, but the opportunities, networking, and connections along the way!”
Christine Eckenrod
Assistant Professor/Director Radiography
“Being a first-generation college student means I get the privilege of breaking generational cycles while leading by example. I also get to redefine myself and the journey expected of me.”
Ashlee Felix-Taveras
Assistant Director of Student Engagement
“I am proud to be a first-generation college student. My goal is to share my knowledge with others so they don’t have to go it alone.”
Sue Kelly
Dean, School of Business, Arts & Sciences
“Having been a first-generation student, I am grateful for the work my family put forth in order for me to have the privilege to expand my learning and opportunities.”
Michael Reed
President
“My educational journey was not typical of most college students. I spent 20 years earning a bachelor’s degree. Being a first-generation college student means the world to me.”
Howard Troup
Instructor, Automated Manufacturing & Machining
“Being a first-generation college student means paying homage to those before me and trailblazing for those coming after me.”
Nate Woods, Jr.
Special Assistant to the President for Inclusion Transformation