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Today is First-Generation College Celebration Day, which is observed nationwide in honor of the successes of first-generation college 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, faculty, staff and alumni. Here at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, we’re extending the celebration through Wednesday, Nov. 10 for First and Proud Week, with several programs and events dedicated to highlighting the successes, challenges and triumphs of being a #FirstGen student.

A first-generation student is defined as a university student whose parents have not obtained a degree from a four-year college or university. Research shows that this group of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø faces unique struggles on the path to a degree. In fact, one-third of all first-generation 51³Ô¹ÏÍø drop out at the three-year mark, compared with one-quarter of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø whose parents have degrees. The biggest hurdle for first-gen 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is finances, followed by a lack of individualized support systems.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Office of First-Generation Student Success is working to help this special group of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø reach the finish line by connecting them to university resources that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Additionally, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program provides financial resources and support to help first generation, low-income undergraduate 51³Ô¹ÏÍø attain their degree within four years, free from financial worry and with the ability to devote themselves fully and successfully to academic and co-curricular achievements. At 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, we are dedicated to the idea of Universal Student Success. We recently achieved the nation’s fastest jump in graduation rates with no equity gaps based on race, ethnicity, income or first-generation status. In fact, first-generation 51³Ô¹ÏÍø outpace the overall graduation rates — and we’re very proud of that. Our Office of First-Generation Student Success is playing a huge role in that effort, and I commend the faculty and staff who work so hard to help our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø earn their degrees.

For more information about theÌýFirst & Proud events taking place this week, please visit . To learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, visit www.fau.edu/firstgen.