First Gen Week

ASI along with campus partners from SEAS, SLIC, DISARC, and Office of Diversity collaborate to bring “First Gen Week” to Cal State East Bay. Approximately 63% of undergraduates are first generation college students at East Bay and what better way to support each other than to celebrate National First Gen Week!


As part of the Cal State East Bay community, we have a responsibility to support all of our students, including our first generation students from Admission to Graduation! This page is to celebrate and honor the dedication for this community on campus. 


What is a first-generation college student? A first-generation college student is someone who is first in their family to attend or graduate from college. You are still considered first gen if you meet one of the following: 

  • your parents(s)/guardian(s) attended a trade school
  • your parent(s)/guardian(s) took classes at a community college
  • your parent(s)/guardian(s) went to community college and received an associate’s degree
  • your siblings graduated from a four-year university
  • your parent(s)/guardian(s) received a four-year degree outside of the United States

FIRST GEN WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • Monday, November 3, 2025, 12pm-2pm - Find Us Tabling (VBT, UU Walkway)
  • Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 12pm-2pm - Find Us Tabling (VBT, UU Walkway)
  • Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 11am-2pm - Conference Event (awesome sessions, free food, music, speakers @ the SUU MPR)
  • Thursday, November 6, 2025, 12pm-2pm - Find Us @ Block Party (NUU & SUU)

FIRST GEN SPOTLIGHTS:

Coming Soon!

Hear from students, faculty, and staff on their own unique first gen stories!


SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ALL YEAR:

Coming Soon!

First Gen support and celebration is more than just a week! Show your proud EB love all year by downloading our First Gen design for your door, screensaver, zoom background, and more! Also, #FIRSTGENPIONEER and post your love!


FIRST GEN FACULTY & STAFF:

We’ve created a list of current faculty and staff members who identify as First Gen. We will do our best to keep this list updated. If you would like to be added, please complete this .


LIST OF RESOURCES:

Below are some links to resources for first gen students:


FIRST GEN PLANNING COMMITTEE:

While it takes a village, here are a few people who have been part of planning first gen support and events on campus. Feel free to reach out and connect with any of them with suggestions for events and opportunities! Let’s collaborate!

  • Corey Copeland, Associated Students, Inc. (Chair)
  • James Carroll, Associated Students, Inc.
  • Jul Custodio, Student Leadership and Involvement Center
  • Kariim Gamarra, Project Rebound
  • Cookie Garrett, DISARC
  • Nancy Jimenez, Student Leadership and Involvement Center
  • Destiny Jones, Associated Students, Inc.
  • Jose Padilla, Student Equity and Success Programs
  • Michelle Rippy, Department of Criminal Justice
  • Krystle Tonga, Office of Diversity
  • Taryn Vicente, Project IMPACT
  • Danisha Watson, DISARC
  • Kathleen Wong(Lau), Office of Diversity
  • Yvette Yarbor, Office of Diversity