U.S. Department of State's First-Generation College Celebration
November 8

2023 First-Generation College Celebration

FirstGens@State supports, develops, and advocates for first-generation (FirstGen) professionals, first-generation college graduates, and individuals otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty, discrimination, inequity, or inequality as identified in EO 14035. A FirstGen college graduate refers to an individual who completed at least a bachelor’s degree but did not have a parent or primary caregiver who completed at least a bachelor’s degree (or did not complete a degree in the United States). Our goal is to heighten public and workforce awareness of the challenges facing FirstGens and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds while focusing on retention. FirstGens@State membership is open to all U.S. Department of State employees. We welcome all those who wish to support our efforts to build a more inclusive and diverse foreign affairs community.

For the first time, the U.S. Department of State will implement the following initiatives this week:

1. Pre-recorded message from a senior U.S. Department of State leader celebrating FirstGen College Celebration Day, highlighting the work of FirstGens@State, and urging FirstGen students to apply for a job, fellowship, or internship at the U.S. Department of State.
2. On November 8, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with employee organization FirstGens@State, will host a "Ask Me Anything for FirstGen College Students" recruitment webinar targeted at FirstGen students, graduates and professionals.
3. During FirstGen College Celebration Week, the U.S. Department of State will publish videos and quotes of personal stories/messages from employees who identify as FirstGen College Graduates.