Albany Technical College Hosts Second Annual First-Generation College Student Day Celebration with Inspirational Breakfast Event
Albany, Ga. – For the second year, Albany Technical College (ATC) will celebrate National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day on November 8, 2023, by hosting a breakfast from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the LEC Auditorium.
November 8 was selected as the date for this annual event to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Since 2017, institutions, corporations, and non-profits nationwide have celebrated first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni and the important contributions they make within their communities. Led by Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), a bipartisan team of Senators helped steer S. Res. 437 to passage, helping to solidify the importance of this day further.
According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success (2022), a first-generation student is any student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year degree. Organizations such as this realize that there are specific barriers that First-Generation students face that differ from those of a student whose parents completed college.
"As a first-generation student, I often felt lost and confused. I didn't know anything about the college process and didn't have anyone to ask. There were even times I felt as if I didn't belong. We do not want any student at ATC to feel that way, and that is why we are celebrating and why we have created a First-Generation Mentoring Program to help our students navigate the college process," said Lashea Dancer, Director of Student Wellness and one of the organizers of this event.
First-Generation students, alumni, faculty/staff, and potential students are invited to come out and listen to Develyn Watson, Math Instructor, and First-Generation student, discuss some of the challenges she faced and ways to succeed as a first-gen student. Students will also meet the First-Generation Mentors and share this event with a parent/guardian. The first 30 students will receive a First-Gen Swag Bag.
If anyone is interested in attending Albany Technical College as a First-Generation student or is a current First-Generation student and would like a Mentor, don't hesitate to get in touch with Lashea Dancer at ldancer@albanytech.edu or 229-430-3614. The Department of Education sponsors this event.