Fairmont State University Receives Grant to Organize Week-Long Celebration for First-Generation College Students

Fairmont State University has received $5,000 through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) to organize a week-long series of events and activities celebrating the resilience and achievements of first-generation college students. More than 40 percent of students at Fairmont State are first-generation college students. 

Students are identified as first-generation if their parents did not complete a four-year college degree. These students are more likely to face challenges and barriers to obtaining their degree.  

"I was the first person in my family to attend college, so I understand how challenging the transition from high school can be," says President Mike Davis. " At Fairmont State, we are dedicated to being a Great Place to Learn. That means supporting our first-generation students in every step of their journey, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed and transform their futures." 

Justin Rader, Associate Director of Orientation, and Keith Gipson, Manager of Student Support/Outreach Enrollment Services, collaborated to receive the grant.  

According to Rader, "The First-Generation Celebration at Fairmont State will highlight the resilience and achievements of our first-generation Falcons, fostering a culture of support and pride that strengthens our entire campus community. Our goal is to honor the perseverance of our first-generation Falcons, enhance their sense of belonging, and inspire the entire campus to support and uplift them.” 

Through this grant funding, Fairmont State will host events including motivational speeches from first-generation graduates, interactive workshops, panel discussions with experts and stakeholders, presentations highlighting the experiences of first-generation students, and forums discussing and promoting effective support strategies and policies. Other activities planned to facilitate connections and peer support within the first-generation student community include social events, networking sessions, mentorship programs, and group activities. 

Events will begin on November 4 and conclude with the national First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8. 

The WVHEPC’s First-Generation Success Grant sponsors initiatives that address the unique needs or support the recruitment and retention of first-generation students, as well as initiatives that enhance data collection, research, or practices to improve institutional first-generation policies. This current project aims to foster a sense of community, enhance student retention, and promote awareness of the diverse experiences of first-generation students.