Communities
Celebrate First Generation College Students
Overview
The National First-Generation College Celebration takes place each year on November 8, the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to acknowledge and celebrate the success of first generation college students past and present. Since 2021, the UW Alumni Association has invited alumni who identify as first-generation college graduates to share their own stories about their college experiences: their motivations and support systems, triumphs and lessons learned.
Through this project, the UWAA aims to share the personal stories that come with the first-generation college experience, and remind current students that they are not alone — they have a community of UW alumni who are here to support and encourage them now and long after they earn their degree.
Read the First-Generation College Stories
More than 40 UW alumni have shared stories of their experiences as first-generation college students. From the Class of 1951 to the Class of 2023 (that’s eight decades of experience!), hear what being a First-Gen college grad means to each of them.
Share Your First-Generation College Story
University of Washington alumni who identify as First-Generation college students are invited to share their stories! We welcome everyone’s experiences — from all three UW campuses, and from undergraduates and graduate students alike.
More Connections and Resources
These UW alumni stories are just one part of the tri-campus activities around the National First-Generation College Celebration. See a full list of events and activities, read even more reflections from UW students, faculty and staff, and get familiar with the resources available to first-generation undergraduate and graduate students on all three UW campuses.
