What is the First-Generation College Celebration?
FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to promote greater awareness of the experiences and successes of first-generation college communities across the nation. At Salem State University, the First-Generation Student Success Center and First Year Experience, in partnership with other Salem State offices, lead the annual celebration with events for students, staff and faculty. These events showcase student successes and experiences, present student-led panels, promote college support structures, and otherwise celebrate the first-generation community in a multitude of ways.
Who is first-generation?
A first-generation student is broadly defined as neither parent nor guardian having graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college/university in the US.
Resources you can use to celebrate First-Gen Week with us!
Find all the details about the 2025 celebration here [link].
First-generation students: Learn about the RISE program and the First-Generation Student Success Center! Learn about the Tri-Alpha honors society! Join the First-Generation Student Community! Download the “first-gen voices” PDF, write your story of what it means for you to be a first-gen student, and send it to firstgen@salemstate.edu!
Faculty and Staff: Join the First-Generation Yearbook initiative! Browse existing profiles, and contact us to be a part of it! Send us tips and tricks for our first-generation students! Contact us at firstgen@salemstate.edu
Do You Want More Information?
Contact the First-Generation Student Success Center and speak to one of our staff members!
- Administration Building, North Campus 202
- Email: firstgen@salemstate.edu
- Phone: 978-542-4600