Middlesex College has been awarded a grant for the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration initiative, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward, with support from TIAA. The $2,500 grant enables the College to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in the community.
Middlesex College Dean of Student Success and Retention Alexis Delgado noted that the grant provides the College the opportunity to dedicate an entire week in November to celebrating and supporting first-generation students and to showcase the many programs and clubs available to them through the College’s First Generation Pathways unit.
“This grant allows First Generation Pathways to create meaningful experiences that foster belonging, connect students with campus resources, and remind our first-generation students that their college journey matters and that they are an important part of our campus community,” said Delgado.
The First-Generation College Celebration, observed the week of November 2 at the College, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the celebration is now a marquee event at campuses across the country.
The grant allows the College to reaffirm its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
“First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses,” said COE President Kimberly Jones. “This grant empowers institutions like Middlesex College to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”
“We are deeply grateful to partner with Middlesex College and institutions across the country in advancing the success of first-generation students,” said Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “We extend our sincere appreciation to TIAA for their generous support of this grant—an opportunity to catalyze meaningful, lasting impact for students and the communities they call home.”
What started as a one-day celebration in 2024 has grown into nationwide week- and month-long momentum-building events, leading to year-long first-generation student success initiatives including student conferences, faculty development workshops, social media campaigns, and a podcast series.
For more information about Middlesex College’s initiatives for first-generation college students, please contact Alexis Delgado at firstgen@middlesexcollege.edu.
