A first-generation student is any student whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year degree.
First Generation Day is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.
This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.
Each year, UNCW celebrates our First-Gen students on or around November 8.
At UNCW, we believe the parents, family members and supporters of all of our students play a vital role in student success. The Seahawk Family Connection portal serves as your family's connection to UNCW and provides important information about the college process.
During the sign-up process, supporters can indicate if their student is a first-gen student. This will place them into a first-gen family community, where they will have access to first-gen related content!