Held each November, First-Gen Celebration Week is a national event that honors the achievements, identities, and contributions of first-gen students at UMTC. The week features events, giveaways, and opportunities to build community, raise awareness, and celebrate what it means to be first-gen.
First-Gen Week is celebrated alongside National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8.
2025 Highlights Album
First-Gen Celebration Week 2025 was a huge success! Check out our photo album recapping the great events that took place across the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.
Celebrate as an Individual
- Share Your Story: And/or post on Instagram about your first-gen journey using #UMNFirst and tag the Center
- Wear Your Pride: Rock your first-gen swag (t-shirt, beanie, button, sticker, door sign, etc.) to spark conversations and show your support
- Attend an Event: Join in-person or virtual events throughout the week to connect, learn, and celebrate
- Show Gratitude: Thank a mentor, friend or family member who has supported our college journey
- Use the Visibility Kit: Add a first-gen Zoom background or social media frame to amplify awareness
- Learn and Advocate: Take time to read about the first-gen experience and educate others how to be an ally
Celebrate in the Classroom
Share Your Story (if applicable): If you’re a first-gen faculty member, consider sharing a brief part of your journey to foster connections
Celebrate as a Department/Unit
Host a First-Gen Gathering: Plan a breakfast, luncheon, or snack break to honor first-gen students. Invite first-gen faculty, staff, and campus leaders to attend and share their stories.
Organize Signature Events: Host a panel, forum, or rally featuring first-gen alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Empower first-gen student leaders to help plan, speak, or emcee.
Partner and Give Back: Collaborate with bookstores, local businesses, or campus offices to offer gift card raffles, giveaways, or sponsor food for events.
Distribute First-Gen Swag: Use the First-Gen Visibility Kit to display signs, share graphics, and hand out buttons, stickers, or gear to boost awareness.
Highlight First-Gen Voices: Share first-gen stories across your unit’s website, newsletter, or social media using #UMNFirst. Review your messaging to ensure first-gen students feel seen and celebrated.
Promote Belonging Through Language: Lead or join a positive language campaign that challenges deficit-based narratives and affirms first-gen identities.
Support Career Readiness: Offer resume and interview workshops that help students frame their first-gen experience as a professional strength.
Get Creative with Outreach: Meet students where they are—hand out snacks or winter kits in commuter lots, or designate a campus athletics event as “First-Gen Night” with recognitions and perks.
Engage Families: Send a postcard or letter to families of first-gen students, acknowledging their support and the university’s commitment to their student’s success.
Train Student Leaders: Ensure peer mentors, orientation leaders, and tour guides are informed on how to support and uplift first-gen students across campus.
Celebrate as a Student Organization/Group
Shout Out First-Gen Members: Highlight the first-gen students in your org through social media posts, meeting shoutouts, or group messages. Use #UMNFirst to share widely!
Host a First-Gen-Themed Event: Plan a social, discussion, or wellness activity centered on first-gen pride. This could be a movie night, a story-sharing circle, or a panel featuring first-gen peers.
Collaborate with the Center: Partner with the First-Gen Student Success Center to co-host an event, help with promotion, or support tabling efforts during the week.
Use the Visibility Kit: Add first-gen signs to your meetings or events, switch your org’s Zoom background, and share graphics on your social platforms.
Celebrate on Social Media: Post first-gen facts, personal stories, or words of encouragement throughout the week. Feature your exec board or members who identify as first-gen.
Give Back to the Community: Host a fundraiser or supply drive that supports fellow students or first-gen causes—on or off campus.
Offer Encouragement: Write and distribute notes of encouragement to first-gen students via campus mail, sticky notes in shared spaces, or social media shoutouts.
Involve Alumni: If your org has a network of alumni, host a networking mixer or virtual chat with first-gen alums willing to share their experiences and advice.
Show Up: Encourage your members to attend First-Gen Celebration Week events as a group and help spread the word across campus.
