First-Generation Week

It Pays to DISCOVER: The Ins & Outs of Credit Cards

Financial Literacy Session

1 PM - 1:30 PM 

Carter Hall 100

Grocery BINGO!

First-Generation Celebration & Reception

Learning Resource Center

Thursday, Nov. 10

It Pays to DISCOVER: The Ins & Outs of Credit Cards
Financial Literacy Session
4 PM - 4:30 PM 

Life Science 200

Being a first-generation college student brings with it a set of obstacles that students must overcome in order to be successful.  Understanding common terms/acronyms, financial aid, homesickness, imposter syndrome, and time management are just some of the issues that first-generation students face on their higher education journey.  At WVU Tech, we realize these issues and work to meet the needs of our first-generation population.

Laying the Groundwork
The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 created an experiential program known as Upward Bound to work with low-income, first-generation high school students.  With the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson set forth directives to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds receiving a college degree.  In 1968, Student Support Services (originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students) was created to work with college students.  The concept of "first-generation" students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965.


In Their Own Words
WVU Tech students, faculty, staff and alumni discuss their first-generation journeys below:
Dr. Cynthia Hall
Phil Redden
Brianna Whaley
Tyesha White