Cal Poly Pomona will celebrate its annual First-Generation College Student Week with a blend of in-person and virtual events designed to honor and empower the university's first-generation community.
As part of the nationwide celebration on Nov. 8 dedicated to first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni in higher education, Cal Poly Pomona stands among the many institutions joining in this commemoration. The university's weeklong celebration, slated for Nov. 6-9, is part of the Office of Student Success, Equity and Innovation's I Am First program, which aims to create visibility for and connect the first-generation community on campus.
At CPP, students are considered first-generation if neither of their natural or adoptive parents received a bachelor's degree in the United States; if they regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and that supporting parent did not receive a bachelor's degree; or if an individual did not reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent.
As of fall 2023, 55 percent (over 14,000 students) self-identified as first-generation. Significantly, a considerable number of the university's faculty and staff also share the distinction of being first-generation college graduates.
Jacqueline Naranjo, senior coordinator of academic support and engagement for the Office of Student Success, Equity and Innovation (OSSEI), said that First-Gen Week is one of the events she looks forward to every year. As a former first-generation college student, Naranjo said that her challenges and accomplishments-both small and large-were often endured and celebrated quietly.
"I know how valuable it would have been to feel seen and reflected on campus," Naranjo said. "It is now my honor to be able to work with various departments and programs to help strengthen awareness and pride in the first-generation experience, while also connecting first-gen students to valuable resources to support their success."
Naranjo invites the entire campus community to join the First-Gen Week events and celebrate the resiliency and triumphs of CPP's diverse first-gen community.
Lia Ayala, a visual communication major and student assistant for Academic Support and Learning Services, said she feels incredibly fortunate to have had a fulfilling college experience and is now in the position where she can give back to her support systems.
"Understanding what it means to be a first-generation student was a pivotal starting point for me. With my parents not having completed college, I felt I didn't have guidance through unfamiliar experiences, which was intimidating," Ayala said. "I was able to find a community of people throughout the years that enhanced my college experience and helped me grow."
Ayala has some advice for her fellow first-gen classmates in a similar situation: don't hesitate to explore campus events or communities that resonate with you. Once you take that initial step and immerse yourself, it's crucial to actively engage in these spaces.
"Being present, participating in activities, and maintaining involvement are meaningful ways to show support, not only for the organizations but also for individuals with whom we share common ground," Ayala said.
CPP and the I Am First team invite all faculty, staff and students to attend the in-person and online events held during First-Generation College Student Week. More information about the I Am First campaign can be found on the I Am First website and additional information about each individual event can be found on the I Am First events page.
Nov. 6:
First-Gen Kick-Off Celebration
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Park.
Join us as we kick off our week in celebration of our first-generation students. Stop by for some free giveaways, learn about first-gen campus resources and more!
Mindfulness Mondays with the Cesar E. Chavez Center for Higher Education and CAPS
3:15 to 3:45 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP Here
Join us for some mindfulness activities to start your week off positively. The session will be hosted by Maria Gisela, therapist from CAPS.
Unwritten Rules: First-Gen's Guide to Success
4 to 5 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP Here
As first-gen college students, we may not be aware of the unwritten rules or invisible forces that help shape the academic environment. This presentation will review some "hidden" or unwritten rules in the professional setting.
Nov. 7
Bite of Reality: Budget Simulation
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the BSC in Ursa Major. RSVP Here
Join us as we partner with SchoolsFirst Credit Union to participate in a fun and interactive workshop to practice your budgeting skills as part of our First-Gen Week activities.
Fearless Classroom
12 to 12:50 p.m. in Building 15-1807. RSVP Here
Earn a digital badge upon completion of all four workshops. Strengthen your skills and learn about yourself as we discuss communication, confidence and teamwork.
First-Gen Crew: Imposter Syndrome & Your Sense of Belonging
12 to 12:50 p.m. in Building 66-126. RSVP Here
This session is the third in a series of four tutor-led meetings. The session will focus on the imposter syndrome and tips on how to address it and establish a sense of belonging at CPP.
Investing and Making Big Purchases
6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP Here
Join SchoolsFirst Credit Union for this educational session that will offer valuable tips and strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. Whether you're planning for your dream home or looking to grow your wealth, this event will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
Nov. 8:
Show your first-gen pride and wear your I Am First shirt on Nov. 8
First-Gen Resources and Information Workshop
1 to 2 p.m. in Building 15-2907. RSVP Here
Join us as we start you off with a discussion of some of the resources CPP has available for you. This is your chance to ask questions, make friends, and learn a bit about what the next few years as a student may bring.
CPP Dining First-Gen Q&A
3 to 4 p.m. on Zoom
Learn from First-Gen CPP Dining Staff Members about their experience in college at CPP and working with Dining Services.
Lessons in Perseverance: A First-Gen's Journey from Student to Profesora at CSU
3:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the BSC, Ursa Major B
Join us for a session with Dra. Maricela Becerra García who is proud to be "CSU made" as a double alumna of CSU Long Beach. Now, as a professor at CSU Channel Islands, she reflects on her journey navigating academia as a first-gen and undocumented student, immigrant, English learner, and mother. In this talk, she will share some lessons learned along the way and what she wished someone had told her as she pursued higher education.
First-Gen on Tap!
5:30 to 9 p.m. at Innovation Brew Works
Stop by and learn how you can be connected to a mentor/mentee and meet other first-gen students, faculty and staff in a fun and engaging environment. You can also feel good about eating and drinking for a cause. Proceeds from IBW purchases will go towards establishing a first-gen student scholarship.
Nov.9:
Beading Circle with the Native American Student Center
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building 26-104. RSVP Here
Stop by the Native American Student Center for a Beading Circle where students can learn about Native American culture by doing beadwork. Here, student scholars can come together outside of the classroom, talk, reflect, create, find peace, and promote their cultural resistance.
Fearless Classroom ll
12 to 12:50 p.m. in Building 15-1807. RSVP Here
Earn a digital badge upon completion of all four workshops. Strengthen your skills and learn about yourself as we discuss communication, confidence, teamwork.
Instant Access Complete at CPP
12 to 1 p.m. on Zoom
Join this online workshop and learn what you need to know about CPP's digital automatic billing course materials program, IAccess Complete.
Hot Topics in Immigration for Undocumented and Mixed CPP Community Members
1 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP Here
Join us online and dive into some hot topics in Immigration with CARECEN. We will give an overview of topics such as the California Dream Act, getting a California ID or driver's license, and immigration do's and don'ts.
Stretching Your On-Campus Food Budget
2 to 3 p.m. on Zoom
Drop in and learn how to join the meal plan club and learn about meal plan club perks.
Scholarships with Sallie Mae
4 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP Here
Join this online workshop to learn more about scholarships, how and where to apply, and writing essay tips and tricks.