On November 7^th, College Access Programs coordinated Chemeketa's Inaugural First Generation College Student Celebration.  We collaborated with several departments: Student Retention College Life, Student Development and Learning Resources, Diversity and Equity, Marketing, and staff and faculty from around the college who shared their first-gen experience with us to showcase throughout the event.  MaPs Credit Union shared information about the IDA account.  Refreshments were served and a photo booth provided an opportunity for attendees to have some fun and showcase their personality to post on Chemeketa's Instagram, and Facebook accounts.  We reached around 300 students, staff, and faculty between 10:00 am - 2:00 pm providing information about services and celebrating our first generation students, staff and faculty. 

The University of Alaska Fairbanks celebrated the first annual celebration of first-gen baccalaureate degree graduates, led in part by the institution's Student Support Services program. Roughly 50 students attended the cording ceremony with many friends, family, and supporters in attendance--well over 100 individuals were present for this event where every featured speaker identified as first-gen. Over 100 students total received teal cords that were proudly displayed at the 97th annual UAF Commencement Ceremony.