JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION!
On and around November 8, Penn State will join colleges and universities nationwide in recognizing the National First-Generation College Celebration. This day is dedicated to building community, raising awareness of the first-generation experience, and uplifting the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are the first in their immediate families to pursue a college degree. This year marks Penn State’s sixth consecutive year hosting University-wide events and recognition opportunities to celebrate and support our first-gen community.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
We invite faculty, staff, alumni, and students to share their first-generation stories all year long! Your stories of success, resilience, and growth will be highlighted through the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success Instagram account (@psu_success).
Share Your First-Generation Story!
Recognize a First-Gen Trailblazer (student), First-Gen Champion (faculty/staff), or an Outstanding First-Gen Program (University Park)
We are proud to continue the First-Gen Recognition Awards, which honor the outstanding contributions of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and programs at Penn State. Nominations are now open!
Nominate a First-Gen Trailblazer (student)
Nominate a First-Gen Champion (faculty/staff)
Nominate a Outstanding First-Gen Program
2026 Derek Thomson Sheely First-Generation Scholarship (University Park)
The Derek Thomson Sheely First-Generation Scholarship awards $1,800 to one outstanding undergraduate, first-generation student at the University Park campus who demonstrates leadership and a strong commitment or involvement within the first-generation community. Submit a completed application by Friday, October 2 at 11:59 PM.
Apply for the 2026 Derek Thomson Sheely First-Generation Scholarship
Attend one or more of the events:
Signature Events:
HUB Takeover
Monday, November 2, 2026
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center
Celebrate being #PSUFirstGen with food, activities, giveaways, and prizes. There will be opportunities to meet members of the First-Gen Advocates (FGA) student organization and the Eta Psi chapter of Tri-Alpha honor society to find out how to support or join Penn State’s first-generation community. Also on hand will be representatives from different centers to share resources, events, and programs for first-gen students.
Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony
Monday, November 2, 2026
5:30 p.m., Freeman Auditorium
Join the Eta Psi chapter of the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society as they induct their third class and recognize the accomplishments of first-gen scholars, faculty, staff, and alumni.
First-Generation Community Night
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Heritage Hall
Join first-gen students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a mixer with free food, networking, first-gen recognition awards, and awesome door prizes.
Follow #PSUFirstGen on socials to stay up to date on all Celebration-related news and stories, and return to this page for updates on other events happening across the University!
