Campus receives grant for first-generation student celebration

KOKOMO, Ind. - Approximately one-third of Indiana University Kokomo's students are first-generation college students.

The campus received a grant to celebrate these students, and encourage them to overcome the barriers they face to succeed in college, through the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative.

Andréa Halpin, dean of students, said the grant allows the campus to plan its biggest celebration ever on November 6. This is IU Kokomo's fourth year of participation.

"This year we hope to do a larger celebration with food, and continue to host a panel discussion, and include staff, faculty, some current first-generation students, and alumni," she said. "I appreciate that partnership where we can bring in different perspectives on what it means to be a first-generation college student."

As a first-generation college graduate, Halpin recognizes the challenges that come with starting college for these students.

"It's important to celebrate their existence on campus, their persistence in hurdling and navigating barriers, and that they belong here," she said, adding that her own family offered her moral support and drove her to college, but couldn't give much else, without having that experience themselves.

The campus offers many support services for first-generation students, including the Groups Scholars program, a success coach, and mentoring by faculty and staff - about 33 percent of whom were first-generation students themselves.

Grant funding will allow for expansion of the mentoring program, she said.

"It will allow us to make it even larger and involve more people who would appreciate having a mentor in their life," she said. "We will be able to provide giveaways and other tools for our mentors to be able to serve successfully."

For more information about accessing services for first-generation students, contact Halpin at [email protected]; Kelli Keener, executive director of student success, at [email protected]; or Michael Gault, 21^st Century Scholars success coach, at [email protected].

This grant, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable IU Kokomo to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.

The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, the campus reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Kimberly Jones, COE president, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like IU Kokomo to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive."

Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

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