First Generation Initiatives

Proud to be SMC First Gen!

Welcome SMC First Generation College Students!

First Generation Directory

First Generation Student Stories

First Gen Extravaganzas (Events)

Student Support Services

Who are first generation college students?

No parent in the household has a bachelor's degree from the U.S.
Students will be the first in their family to attend college (younger siblings of older college-going siblings are still considered first-gen).

For more info, visit Defining First Generation (opens in new window) .

Share Your Story: Tell us more about how amazing you are!

First Gen Directory: Find out more about SMC staff and faculty who were also first generation college students!

2025 First Gen College Student Day

We are excited to invite you to celebrate First-Generation College Day with us this November 8th! This day honors students who are the first in their family to attend college, recognizing their unique challenges and remarkable achievements. At SMC, we are proud to support and uplift our first-generation college student community.

In honor of First Gen Day, the First-Gen Initiative Committee and the Student Equity Center have created a First-Gen Student Support Series to celebrate and empower our first-generation students and staff. We invite you to join us for these upcoming events:

You Belong Here: First-Gen Kickoff

Friday, September 19
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Student Equity Center

We will focus on belonging, imposter syndrome, peer/mentor connections, and special programs.
Free food will be served.

Money Moves & Transfer Power Hour

Friday, October 10
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SSC 3rd Floor Staff Lounge

Learn how to maximize scholarship opportunities, elevate your applications, and prepare strong strategies for transfer season.

First-Gen Futures: Career Confidence & Celebration

Friday, November 7
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
SSC 3rd Floor Staff Lounge

We will focus on career development, building confidence, and supporting mental health in professional settings.

To register for these events, please fill out our RSVP form:

RSVP

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2020

Monday, October 26

10:30 a.m - 12 p.m.: First Gen 101 (SMC Community members)

12 - 1 p.m.: Let's talk about money. Understanding Financial Wellness: First Gen edition (Peer Navigator Program)

1 - 2 p.m: The First Gen Process: Navigating college and transfer with support from Special Programs (EOPS)

Tuesday, October 27

10 - 11:15 a.m.: Time is Money: A First Gen approach to time management and career exploration (SMC Career Center)

11:15 a.m - 12:30 p.m.: The STEM Experience: A panel of First Gen STEM alumni, current students, and staff (SMC STEM Program)

12:45 - 2 p.m.: Creating your UndocuCommunity (again): Stories from First Gen transfers

Wednesday, October 28

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.: First Gen Art and Music Show

11:45 a.m - 12:45 p.m.: First Gen & _____: A conversation on intersecting identities

12:45 - 2 p.m.: First Gen Take Off! Advice from the SMC Community

2021

Monday, November 8

10:30 a.m - 12 p.m.: First Gen 101: A Conversation with the SMC Community

12 - 1 p.m.: UCLA Admissions- First Gen Lens

Tuesday, November 9

10:15 a.m - 11:15 a.m.: Chat with SMC First Gen. Alumni

1 p.m - 2 p.m.: Global Experience as a First Gen Student

2022

November 8 (Remote):

First Gen 101 - SMC Students-10:30 am to 11:30 am
- We will cover resources and techniques to be successful as a First Gen SMC student
First Gen Music and Art Show- 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
- Hear the stories of First Gen students through various forms of Art, Music, Poetry, and other forms.
SMC First Gen Alumni Conversation- 1 pm-2 pm
- Hear former SMC First Gen students share their journeys

November 9 In-person :

Student Services Center (SSC) 3rd floor; faculty lounge

First Gen Talk Show - SMC Community Conversation 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
- A conversation with the SMC Community-Hear the experience of being First Gen. from Students, Staff, Faculty, and admin.
First Gen Luncheon - 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
- Network with food with other SMC First Gen community members