Proud to Celebrate First-Gen Students
November 4-8, 2024, is First-Generation Week at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
This week is dedicated to raising awareness about First-Gen college student experiences at Illinois. Join The Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success and First-Generation Student Initiatives in celebrating the numerous strengths that First Generation students bring to our university campus.
You can participate in one or more of the following ways:
Attend a First-Gen Week event
The Celebrating First-Generation Week @ Illinois Calendar has a full roster of programs, events and workshops.
This includes the National First-Generation Day Celebration on November 8 hosted at the Campus Instructional Facility starting at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at go.illinois.edu/FirstGenWeek
Apply to First-Gen Online Directory
Open to all First-Gens at the U. of I., the First-Gen Directory is a centralized place where students, faculty, staff and Illinois community members can build their First-Gen network. With 200+ participants—and counting!—this online community is a visible space where individuals can be proud to be First-Gen, together. Submit your application to be part of the directory.
Support First-Gen Initiatives Year-Round
Share First-Generation Student Initiatives' events and signature programs, including their “Proud to Be First-Gen” series with students. Read, distribute and promote campus and national resources to members of your communities.
Update/Check Your Status
Students can now update/check their First-Generation status at go.illinois.edu/firstgenstatus
About The Jeffries Center
The Jeffries Center's mission is to provide exceptional support services that enhance the academic achievement, personal development, and graduation rates of first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students at Illinois.
About First-Generation Student Initiatives
The First-Generation Student Initiatives Team empowers first generation students with the resources, knowledge, and support network to navigate the University of Illinois successfully. Our team strives to empower you to amplify your existing strengths, engage with a dynamic network of supportive campus partners, and elevate first-gen identity visibility across all areas of our university.
We are Illinois. We are #ProudtobeFirstGen.