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.

First Name

Last Name

PCT Email address

I am a first-generation student.

You're considered a first-generation college student if your parents have not earned a four-year college degree.

I am a first-generation champion.

A champion may or may not be a first-generation college student. These individuals support and elevate the first-generation student experience.

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

In the Media

Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/tomorrowmakers/1741812">Lasada Pippen: All Grit. No Quit.</a>

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.

“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