Heartland celebrates First-Generation College Students

Heartland Community College is recognizing and supporting first-generation college students November 6-10, 2023, with a week-long celebration. 

Events during “1^st Gen Week” are tailored to celebrate and support first-generation students, ensuring a successful academic journey at Heartland Community College. 

HCC provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to help students become acclimated to the campus and successfully achieve their educational goals. With a focus on personalized support, Project RISE offers services such as peer mentoring, academic planning and course selection, progress monitoring, access to the Math Lab, career exploration, financial literacy guidance, assistance with transferring to other institutions, personal counseling, college visits, and opportunities to engage in enriching cultural events. 

The week kicks off with a first-generation student appreciation reception on Monday, Nov. 6 in select campus locations and a “Shop the Closet” event in the Workforce Development Center (WDC) that highlights the free clothing closet that collects business-ready attire for students who are heading to job interviews. 

1^st Gen Week events include a special presentation by guest speaker Dr. Joshua Fredenburg on Tuesday, November 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Astroth Community Education Center (ACEC). Dr. Fredenburg's talk, titled "The Power of Being First: 4 Ways to Overcome the Challenges of Being a First-Generation Student and Creating a Legacy that Leaves a Lasting Impact," is free and open to the public. 

On Thursday, November 9, Success Connections will host a lunch panel, featuring the voices of both first-generation students and staff. The panel will offer precious insights into their academic journeys from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Workforce Development Center. 

To conclude 1st Gen Week, Student Engagement has organized a First-Generation Service Day on Friday, November 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Students will join forces with the YWCA's Stepping Stones program. This event not only encourages community service but also fosters unity among first-generation students, as they make a positive impact on the world. 

Heartland’s 1^st Gen week is supported by numerous offices at the college including the Career Center, Counseling Services, Student Engagement and Project RISE (Reaching, Inspiring, Supporting, and Empowering) an educational support program offers services including peer mentoring, academic planning and course selection, progress monitoring, access to the Math Lab, career exploration, financial literacy guidance.