Cal Poly Pomona to Celebrate First-Gen Week 2024
Cal Poly Pomona will participate in the annual celebration of first-generation college students with First-Generation College Student Week, a slate of events tailored for the first-gen community, from Nov. 4-8.
The I Am First program, which aims to create visibility for and connect the first-generation community on campus, has coordinated a variety of speaking events, workshops, and social events geared towards first-gen students connecting with faculty, staff and peers that also identify as among the first in their families to attend college. The week culminates in the national celebration day on Friday.
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 2024, 55 percent (nearly 15,000 students) self-identified as first-generation. Many CPP faculty and staff are also first-generation college graduates.
“We are thrilled to celebrate our incredible first-generation students with an array of exciting events,” said Giselle Dominguez Salazar, assistant coordinator for student success and I Am First program lead. “Through our work, we’re charting new paths of being first-gen and fearless. Don’t miss out on amazing giveaways and opportunities to connect with your community.”
All first-gen students, faculty and staff are invited to join the following events. You can find more information on the I Am First website or MyBAR.
Nov. 4:
First-Generation Graduates: Testimonios
10:30 a.m. to noon in the Bronco Student Center, Ursa Major AB. RSVP on MyBAR
Hector Chacon, deputy district director for State Senator Bob Archuleta, and Àlvaro Huerta, associate professor of urban and regional planning will share powerful testimonios on the importance of friendships, university service, and community impact. Lanae O’Shields (’09, psychology) will moderate the discussion.
Nov. 5:
CPP First-Gen Week Celebration Kick-off & Resource Fair
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at University Park. RSVP on MyBAR
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!
First-Gen Crew: Imposter Syndrome
Noon to 12:50 p.m. in Building 66, room 126. RSVP on MyBAR
This session is the third in a series of four RAMP 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.
Nov. 6:
Unwritten Rules: First-Gen’s Guide to Success
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP on MyBAR
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. This workshop is cohosted by Bronco Scholars, the Disability Resource Center, EOP, the Learning Resource Center, PolyTransfer, RAMP and Renaissance Scholars.
First-Gen on Tap!
5 to 9 p.m. at Innovation Brew Works. RSVP on MyBAR
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. 7:
Speaking Engagement with Co-Authors: Dr. Yvette Martinez-Vu & Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia
9:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in the Bronco Student Center, Ursa Minor. RSVP on MyBAR.
Yvette Martínez-Vu and Miroslava Chávez-Garcia will visit CPP to talk about their book, “Is Grad School for Me? Demystifying the Application Process for First-Gen BIPOC Students.” The event is co-sponsored by the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, the McNair Scholars Program, and the Michi and Walter Weglyn Multicultural Studies Chair.
Make Your Net-WORK
Noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP on MyBAR
Students who network are four times more likely to land internships and jobs during college than students who don’t. Attend this workshop hosted by EOP to learn more about how to network.
Career Center Services Overview
3 to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP on MyBAR
Learn about the Career Center and all of the resources you can use as a CPP student.
Día de los Muertos with César E. Chávez Center for Higher Education
5 to 8 p.m. in Bronco Commons. RSVP on MyBAR
As part of the 30th annual Día De Los Muertos celebration, I Am First will host an ofrenda (altar) to honor departed family members and friends. Community members are invited to contribute to the altar.
Nov. 8:
Show your first-gen pride and wear your I Am First shirt on Nov. 8
Volleyball Tailgate
4 to 7 p.m. at Kellogg Arena. RSVP on MyBAR
Hang out at our tailgate ahead of the CPP volleyball game against Cal State LA at 5 p.m. CPP students get into Bronco Athletics games for free with a Bronco ID card.