Celebrating First-Generation Students
In the words of TC faculty member and fellow first-gen student Dr. Carmen Martínez-Roldán, first-generation college students inspire us “to keep reimagining new ways to honor a diversity of voices and experiences.”
First generation students make up roughly a quarter of TC’s student population! Scroll to learn more about the exciting events and giveaways we have in store for First Gen Celebration Week, ways to support first generation students, and links to learning resources centered on the First Gen experience!
Join Us For Our First Gen Week Celebration!
In honor of the many students within the Teachers College community whose hard work and resilience have led them to be the first in their families to attend college or graduate school, TC has planned a week-long celebration beginning Monday, November 2, 2026.
Join us in celebrating our first-generation student community by signing up to attend an event below!
*Please note that some events are by lottery.
Events hosted during First-Gen Celebration Week are sponsored by: Student Success, Graduate Student Life & Development, TC NEXT, & the Office of Community Affairs.
Looking to connect with other first-gen students at TC? Join , a community for first-generation and/or low-income students at Teachers College.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact OASID as early as possible to request reasonable accommodations. Email: oasid@tc.edu. Phone: 212-678-3689. Video Phone: 212-678-3854.
Writing to the Next Gen
Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 6
Stop by The Student Success Hub (HM 242) all week long to participate in our interactive letter-writing project!
Take a quiet moment to reflect on your journey and write a letter to yourself—whether it’s advice, encouragement, or hopes for the future. Drop your sealed letter in our campus mailbox, and we will mail it back to you later in the academic year as a reminder of how far you’ve come. Station supplies, paper, and pre-stamped envelopes will be provided.
TC Community Dinner
Monday, November 2
GDH 177/179 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Join Teachers College leadership, including President Tom Bailey and members of the Cabinet, for an evening dedicated to honoring our First-Gen community and fostering meaningful connections across campus.
Note: Seating is limited and ticket reservation is required. An in-person waitlist will be maintained at the event entrance.
NYC on a Budget
Wednesday, November 4
Virtual | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Living in New York City doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Join us online for insider strategies on navigating city life affordably. From cheap eats and subway hacks to free cultural events and hidden student discounts, discover how to stretch your budget and thrive in NYC without missing out.
TC NEXT Headshots
Wednesday, November 4
GDH 179 | 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Need a headshot for LinkedIn, a portfolio, or other professional reasons?
We got you covered with free headshots being offered along with drop in support for career related questions. RSVP your time slot to see a professional photographer! Come dressed to impress. Hosted by TC NEXT.
Demystifying the Hidden Curriculum of Doctoral Education
Thursday, November 5
GDH 277 | 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Join Student Success and Office of Community Affairs for an interactive panel and workshop designed specifically for first-generation doctoral students. Gain practical advice from first-gen faculty and advanced candidates on demystifying academic norms, managing advisor relationships, securing mentorship, and building a sustainable path to degree completion.
Stitching Our Futures: First-Gen Identity, Self-Advocacy, and Community
Friday, November 6
HM 242 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Navigating graduate school as a first-generation student comes with unique challenges, but your identity is a powerful source of strength and connection.
Join us for an interactive workshop on self-advocacy, identity, and community. Reflect on your journey, build connections with fellow first-gen students, and design your own embroidered tote bag symbol to showcase our collective community strength.
Student/Alumni Stories
Ed.D. 鈥�13 Higher and Postsecondary Education
Attending Teachers College for my doctoral degree was only possible because faculty members like Dr. Lee Knefelkamp and Dr. Kevin Doherty believed in my potential more so than I ever did.
Ge贸rgia Freire
M.A., 鈥�17, Higher and Post-Secondary Education
Jacquada Gray II
M.A. 鈥�19, Higher and Postsecondary Education
Support First-Generation Students
First-generation students are trailblazers who bring unique and diverse perspectives to our community and carry forward our legacy of equity and inclusion. Support them today with a gift to Teachers College.
Faculty Stories
Associate Professor of Science Education
"We, collectively, have an antidote to imposter syndrome through the concept and construct of being ratchedemic."
Past Ceremonies
An annual tradition of TC's Convocation, watch our recent Diversity & First-Generation Celebration ceremonies: