First-Gen Initiative
At El Camino College in Torrance, California, 50% of all students are the first in their families to pursue a college education.
Goals of the First-Gen Initiative:
The First-Gen Initiative aims to:
- Provide professional development to faculty, staff, and administrators regarding first-gen issues
- Raise the visibility of first-generation students at El Camino College and recognize the challenges and strengths they have, as well as the unique talents they bring to the College
- Create first-gen pride so all students feel welcomed the minute they step foot on campus
- Highlight first-gen student success programs, such as First Year Experience (FYE), Extended Opportunity Program & Services (EOPS), Student Equity & Achievement (SEA) Village, and Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA), that provide support to incoming first-gen students
- Build a network of professors, staff, and administrators with shared interests and a common goal to support first-generation students
El Camino College is a NASPA First-Scholars Network School
El Camino College was recognized for its commitment to advancing first-generation
student success!View Story
In 2018, El Camino College was named the only community college in the leadership component of a nationwide program designed to support the success of first-generation college students. As participants in an inaugural cohort of First Forward Institutions, ECC is also the only campus out of the 116 California Community Colleges to participate in this new and innovative program. The First Forward designation from the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of the NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, recognizes institutions of higher education that have shown a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college student
Center for First-Generation Student SuccessECC Named First Forward Institution Leader
Watch PBS Special Featuring the First-Gen Initiative
Meet first-generation students forging their own futures in Los Angeles.
Learn More
Dr. Cynthia Mosqueda, Faculty Coordinator
Darrell Thompson, English Faculty/Coordinator
Dr. Edith Gutierrez, Interim Dean, Student Support Services
Dr. Kristina Martinez, Associate Dean, Counseling and Student Success
Gerson Valle, Associate Dean of Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Rene Lozano, Transfer Coordinator
Rachel Williams, Honors Coordinator/Faculty
Arturo Hernandez, MESA/STEM Director
David Brown, Assistant Director Financial Aid
Julieta Aramburo, Director of Outreach and School Relations
Dr. Seranda Bray, Counselor
Rocio Diaz, Counselor
Christopher Hurd, Counselor
Jaime Gallegos, Counselor
Ruby Padilla, Counselor
Brian Mims, Counselor
Rosie Miranda, Counselor
Veronica Casillas, Counselor
Lesley Meza, Counselor
Carla Velasquez, Program Coordinator
Josefina Cruz Molina, Immigrant Student Success Program Coordinator
Kenny Simkins, LGBTQIA+ Student Success Coordinator
Keiana Daniel, Student Success Coordinator
Juan Bello, Student Services Advisor
In spring 2018, El Camino College launched the First-Gen Initiative on campus to bring more awareness to first-gen students on campus. Close to 51% of first time El Camino College students are first-gen students, those whose parents did not graduate from a four-year college or university.
With support from our college president, El Camino College started its First-Generation Initiative on campus.
This effort is focused on responding to and supporting the fast-growing first-generation college student population on campus.
Phase one, the "First-Gen Faculty Campaign," launched on April 27, 2018, bringing together leading scholars from UCLA, CSUDH, CSULB, and USC to kick off our First-Gen Faculty Institute. The conference covered issues that many of our first-gen students experience, such as academic impostor syndrome, hidden curriculum, and first-gen intersectionality. In fall 2018, the First-Gen Task Force (a group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators) worked to create a media campaign around first-gen student pride.
On November 8, 2018, El Camino College participated in the inaugural First-Generation College Day by hosting a “First-Gen Stem Dinner” for students on campus, celebrating the presence and experiences of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff on our campus.
Questions? Contact Us