Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. 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 MCCC to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.

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

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments.

 "We are thrilled to partner with MCCC and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students,” Jones said. “We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities."

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

“Supporting first-generation college students is essential, as they are the trailblazers in their families, navigating the higher education landscape,” said Dr. Stephanie Allen, Director of Equity, Diversity and Belonging at MCCC. “By fostering a welcoming, inclusive community on our campuses through dedicated programs and activities, we can help first-generation students build connections, gain confidence and achieve their academic and personal goals.”

In observance of the First-Generation College Celebration, MCCC will be hosting engagement tables at its Pottstown Campus on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and its Blue Bell Campus on Thursday, Nov. 7. First-generation students and employees are invited to visit the tables, sign a banner, receive First-Gen giveaways and learn more about MCCC’s chapter of the Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society.

In addition to the engagement tables, MCCC will be hosting a roundtable discussion on Nov. 7 with guest panelists who will share their experiences and advice with first-generation students.

In 2020, MCCC became the first community college in the country to host a Tri-Alpha Honor Society for first-generation students. Founded in 2018 at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Tri-Alpha recognizes individuals who are the first in their families to graduate from college. Last year, MCCC inducted 70 new members, adding to its roster of 275 total members. MCCC is now in the process of forming a club for first-generation students.

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.

In honor of the inauguration of the College’s sixth president, Dr. Vicki Bastecki-Perez, who is a first-generation college graduate, the College’s Foundation established 11 presidential scholarships (totaling more than $340,000) in 2021 for students, with a focus on first-generation college students.