Tulsa Community College Celebrates First-generation Students

Tulsa Community College (TCC)  held our virtual First-Gen Celebration event on November 4th, 2020. The Celebration was an incredible success. We had over 40 students in attendance.

Due to student services still being remote, we decided to host the event on Zoom. The Career Services office partnered with TRIO to bring this event to students. The Celebration focused on career preparation. Career Services presented on career competencies. The main aspect of the event was an employer panel. This panel featured three professionals in the local area who were also first-generation students. This was a unique perspective because it gave the students a chance to see local professionals, who were once first-gen students, succeeding in their careers. The employers gave great advice and students were very engaged and asked questions.

Another unique piece of the event was that we also had a few first-generation faculty and staff join the celebration as well. This is important because it showed support and encouragement for our first-generation students.

TCC TRIO was also a part of the event and took time to explain what services TRIO offers for first-generation students.

In preparation for the event, we had students, faculty, and staff submit short videos about what being a first-generation student means to them. Our marketing team at TCC put together a first-generation celebration video. We showed this video for the first time at the celebration event.

Each student who attended was mailed a First-Generation Celebration pair of earbuds. Also, during the event, TRIO led a trivia game focused on first-generation facts and statistics. The winners of the trivia game won a gift of TCC items. Also, all students who submitted content for the celebration video were entered in a drawing, and the winner won TCC gifts.

Overall, the event was successful because it provided students with valuable resources for both academics and career. It also inspired students to continue striving toward their career goals. We were so excited about the event and know that students gained both practical and inspirational knowledge that will help them reach their academic and career goals. Most importantly, these students were celebrated.