First-Gen Awareness Week

At El Camino College, we celebrate First-Gen students for the entire week! The First-Generation Leadership advisory team, in partnership with first-generation success programs across campus, works tirelessly to ensure the campus community is well-represented during First-Generation week. The list of events and how you can participate are listed below.

Why Do We Celebrate First-Generation Day?

First-Generation Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.

Celebrate Our First-Generation Students at First-Gen Awareness Week

November 4 - 8, 2024

Celebrate our first-generation students at First-Gen Awareness Week. #eccfirstgen #firstgenwarrior #firstgenweek

Center for First Generation Student Success Media Kit

Media Kit

Upcoming Events

Events
Thursday, December 5th 1:00pm - 3:00pm Location: Library Lawn	Meet the Author: Alejandra Compoverdi Alejandra's award-winning memoir, FIRST GEN, examines the emotional toll of social mobility on those she refers to as “First and Onlys.” Join us for a conversation with Alejandra followed by book signings.
Tuesday, November 5 12:30pm - 2:00pm Location: MESA Center	Life as a First-Gen STEM Scholar This event is designed for first-generation students pursuing STEM majors. Students will have an opportunity to network with staff and STEM faculty to learn how to thrive in the STEM field.
Wednesday, November 6 10:00am - 12:30pm Location: Front of Library Lawn	National First-Gen Day! #IAMFIRSTGEN Join us for our "Pancakes with President Thames" on Wednesday, November 6th, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Swing by the Library Lawn to grab a quick and delicious breakfast as you make your way to class! Let's celebrate all of our first-generation students on campus. Don't forget to use the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen #eccfirstgen
Thursday, November 7 1:15pm - 2:15pm Location: Distance Education Room Register on Cornerstone	The Journey of a First-Generation Athlete Join our panel discussion to explore the challenges and triumphs of first-generation college student-athletes, who must balance athletic and academic demands while navigating the complexities of being first in their family to attend college.

Events

Thursday, December 5th
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Library Lawn

Meet the Author: Alejandra Compoverdi

Alejandra's award-winning memoir, FIRST GEN, examines the emotional toll of social mobility on those she refers to as “First and Onlys.” Join us for a conversation with Alejandra followed by book signings.

Tuesday, November 5
12:30pm - 2:00pm

Location: MESA Center

Life as a First-Gen STEM Scholar

This event is designed for first-generation students pursuing STEM majors. Students will have an opportunity to network with staff and STEM faculty to learn how to thrive in the STEM field.

Wednesday, November 6
10:00am - 12:30pm

Location: Front of Library Lawn

National First-Gen Day! #IAMFIRSTGEN

Join us for our "Pancakes with President Thames" on Wednesday, November 6th, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Swing by the Library Lawn to grab a quick and delicious breakfast as you make your way to class! Let's celebrate all of our first-generation students on campus. Don't forget to use the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen #eccfirstgen

Thursday, November 7
1:15pm - 2:15pm

Location: Distance Education Room

The Journey of a First-Generation Athlete

Join our panel discussion to explore the challenges and triumphs of first-generation college student-athletes, who must balance athletic and academic demands while navigating the complexities of being first in their family to attend college.