First-Gen Initiative
Did you know that close to 51% of first-time El Camino College students are first-gen students? The First-Gen Initiative focuses on supporting this fast-growing student population here on campus.
Goals of the First-Gen Initiative:
First-Gen Initiative advances first-generation student success.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
Center for First-generation Student Success
El Camino College was recognized for its commitment to advancing first-generation
student success!View StoryEl Camino College was recognized by First-gen Forward of the Center for First-generation Student Success for its commitment to advancing first-generation student success! First-gen Forward is the nation's first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success.
The institutions represent a community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the United States.
Watch PBS Special Featuring the First-Gen Initiative
Meet first-generation students forging their own futures in Los Angeles.
Learn More
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