Jackson State University's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8
2023 First-Generation College Celebration
Jackson State University (JSU) will celebrate 2023 First-generation Week from November 5-10, 2023 including all eleven TRIO programs and our new First-Gen Scholars programs. Each program will focus on the theme of the week. Each program will focus on the growth and development of first-gen students. JSU will also spotlight on its website an alum, staff member, faculty member, and student who are first-generation each day during the weeklong celebration.
2022 First-Generation College Celebration
As we embark upon this national celebration of first-generation students, staff, faculty, and alum, we are elated to bring you a
week of activities and events to spotlight and celebrate the accomplishments of our First Generation population Nov. 7-11, 2022.
THEME: "You Won't Break Our SOUL"
Day 1: We’re Telling Everybody” - The week will begin with the “First-Gen Renaissance Expo." Each TRIO program will present their offered services and define the benefits of participation.
Day 2: “Release Your Anger & Mind” - The Talent Search Program will host the “First-Gen Zen." This mental health awareness event will give first-gen participants an opportunity to create body scrubs, release with yoga, then relax with shoulder/neck and temple massages. Coffee and conversations will also be provided to help ease their minds.
Day 3: “Release Your Job” - The Upward Bound Programs will host the “First-Gen B.A.S.H” (Business Associates Social Hour). This speed networking event will feature first-gen alums and local individuals who currently own their own business. JSU students will be able to engage and network with entrepreneurs on their challenges and successes of starting a business.
Day 4: “Release Your Love” - The Educational Opportunity Center will host “First-Gen Movie Night”. This social justice awareness event will showcase the film "Selma", which depicts the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches. Several historical icons will be highlighted during the showing. This event is sponsored in part by Pepsi and Doc Popcorn.
Day 5: “Release Your Stress” - The McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, and THEE Aristocrats will host the “First-Gen Warriors Challenge." This hotspot event will consist of interactive obstacle courses in an effort to encourage and remind students of the importance of overcoming obstacles. Support programs will also highlight services provided.
2020 First-Generation College Celebration
Jackson State University's (JSU's) inaugural First-Generation College Celebration Week will consist of collaborations across departments and units on campus and a partnership with Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA. The theme for the week is #CreatingTHEEBox and events will be held virtually through Zoom and Facebook Live. Activities for the week will focus on positioning first-generation students to do more than "think outside of the box", but to "create the box!" Cross-collaborations for the virtual week will include Title III HBCU Programs, the Division of Academic Affairs, the Enrollment Management Unit, TRIO Student Support Services, the Department of Public Safety, the Student Affairs Unit and JSUOnline. First-generation students, faculty, staff, and administrators will be highlighted on Twitter each day. Also, collages of support from various departments will be highlighted on Twitter each day. Students from both JSU and Southern will participate in JiggAerobics sessions. This will provide an opportunity for first-generation students to relieve stress before taking their finals and to understand how to take care of "what's in THEE box!". Together, both universities, JSU and Southern, will partner to host a Virtual Celebration, featuring a first-generation panel from both HBCUs.
Check out our video of last year's celebration and use #CelebrateFirstGenJSU, #THEEFirstGenGrad, #THEEFirstGenProfessional, #THEEFirstGenAlumni, and #JSUTRIOWorks to show your support this year!
