A-State to Celebrate First-Generation Students Friday

JONESBORO – A special day for new students is coming up!

Friday, Nov. 8, is First-Generation College Celebration Day.  Secondary schools, community organizations, and colleges and universities are giving special recognition to first-generation college-bound students and their supporters.

Arkansas State University is joining the national celebration because a large number of its students are first-generation college students.

•             A-State recognizes the importance of college completion to our first-generation college students.

•             Earlier this semester, A-State started the First in the Pack (FITP) program to recognize, support and celebrate the success of first-generation college students.

•             The initial kick-off dinner was held in September to introduce first-generation students to first-generation faculty and staff at A-State.

•             At this event, students received a t-shirt and a “fast-track” key attachment to allow FITP students quick access to important university services.

•             Other events this fall included a Financial Aid/FAFSA workshop and a special registration day for FITP members.

•             First-generation students in the A-State community who want to participate in FITP or individuals who would like to help mentor first-generation students are asked to contact Jerrod Lockhart, director of Student Support Services, jlockhar@AState.edu.

•             Everyone is invited to stop by the Student Support Services office in Ellis Library, suite 117, on Friday, Nov. 8, for cookies and punch.