FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College Recognizes National First-Generation College Celebration Day
Students who are first in their families to attend college recognized as trailblazers
LARGO, Md. (November 5, 2020) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) joins colleges and universities across the country in observance of National First-Generation College Celebration Day, held annually on Nov. 8. Founded by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success, the celebration recognizes students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to attend college or earn a college degree.
“To be the first in my family to graduate from college is important because it created an expectation for generations to follow that a post-secondary education is indeed possible,” said Michael Walker, director of TRiO Student Support Services at Prince George’s Community College. “The generous support the College receives for our TRiO students who need it the most really is a make or break in their ability to be successful,” he added.
In recognition of National First-Generation College Celebration Day, Prince George’s Community College is hosting a lineup of events throughout the entire week:
Nov. 5 | Pre-Celebration Kickoff
Nov. 10 | Empowered Mindset Workshop
Nov. 12 | PGCC National First-Gen College Day Live
Nov. 13 | PGCC First-Gen/TRiO/Veterans Services Food Distribution
Prince George’s Community College, which serves the greatest percentage of non-white credit students in the state of Maryland, has a rich history of providing affordable, high-quality learning experiences for diverse populations, including first-generation students. Specifically, 51% of PGCC students identify as “first-generation.”
“My biggest advice to high school students who are going to be first-generation college students is to join a program like Upward Bound,” said Kelaiah Wheelan, a current PGCC first-generation student and TRiO Upward Bound alumna. “The program allowed me to find people to help me and also meet people who were like me, experiencing the same financial and mental struggles. While many first-generation students believe they may feel isolated at college, programs like Upward Bound bring you together,” she added.
Each of Prince George’s Community College’s TRiO programs, including Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and Veterans Upward Bound, serve first-generation populations. Approximately 460 students are currently enrolled in Prince George’s Community College’s TRiO programs
These students often encounter increased academic challenges and educational stressors, which impact their ability to complete an academic program successfully and in a timely manner. TRiO programs provide counseling, tutoring, career guidance, exposure to cultural events, and non-academic support such as resources to address food insecurity or homelessness.
To learn more about TRiO programs at Prince George’s Community College, click here.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 35,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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