Student Experience

Celebrating First-Gen Slugs: Empowering students, strengthening community

UC Santa Cruz celebrates first-generation students whose perseverance and leadership transform families, communities, and the future of higher education.

November 4, 2025

By Division of Student Affairs and Success

UC Santa Cruz Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) is proud to celebrate National First-Generation Week, taking place November 3–7, with a series of events honoring the resilience, leadership, and achievements of first-generation college students. Each day offers opportunities for connection, reflection, and celebration as the campus community recognizes those who are the first in their families to earn a college degree—and those who help make that possible.

Supporting first-generation students is central to UC Santa Cruz’s mission and identity. In 2024–25, 5,623 of UCSC’s 17,940 undergraduates identified as first-generation college students—nearly one in three undergraduates.

“First-generation students embody the spirit of perseverance and possibility that defines UC Santa Cruz,” said Jesus Morales, director of Educational Opportunity Programs. “Their success doesn’t just change their own lives—it transforms families and communities for generations to come.”

Providing targeted support for first-generation students is also critical for student retention and matriculation. National research and campus data show that students who participate in programs like EOP’s peer mentoring, holistic advising and community events that support wayfinding and career readiness skill development are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

This year’s celebration features a variety of events designed to build community and empower first-gen students. The week kicks off with “First-Gen Banana Slugs: Owning Our Stories,” a workshop exploring identity and imposter syndrome. Additional highlights include a film screening and dialogue on The Unafraid, which follows three immigrant students navigating access to higher education; a two-part First-Gen Connections series featuring alumni panels and an in-person mixer; and workshops on knowing your rights, mental health and well-being, and financial aid literacy. A full list of First-Gen Week events can be found below.

EOP’s year-round services reinforce the same sense of community celebrated during First-Gen Week:

• EOP Ambassadors Program connects students with peer mentors who understand their journeys—offering guidance on academic success, campus involvement, and graduate school preparation. 
• Textbook Access Program (TAP) helps offset the cost of course materials by providing quarterly vouchers for textbooks and supplies, ensuring students can focus on learning rather than expenses. 
• EOP STEM Program provides specialized support for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math fields through first- and second-year learning communities, peer mentoring, and dedicated academic counseling. 
• EOP Wellness Program, created through student advocacy and Measure 68, promotes holistic well-being through mental health workshops, recreational activities, and community-building events.
• EOP’s academic counselors provide individualized support in course planning, study strategies, budgeting, and balancing academics with personal responsibilities—helping students navigate challenges and stay on track for graduation.

Students and alumni are also invited to share their experiences by submitting reflections and memorable moments from their first-gen journeys through the Share Your Story form. These personal accounts will help inspire others and strengthen UCSC’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive community for all.

2025 First-Gen Week Events

First-Gen Banana Slugs: Owning Our Stories – First-Gen Identity & Imposter Syndrome
Date & Time: November 3, 2025 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: College 9 & JRL Namaste Lounge
Description: Start the week with an inspiring kickoff event for first-gen students! Connect with peers, share your story, and gain tools to overcome imposter syndrome while learning how to thrive personally and academically at UC Santa Cruz.

Film Screening & Dialogue: The Unafraid
Date & Time: November 4, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Location: Cervantes & Velasquez Conference Room, Bay Tree Building (3rd Floor)
Description: Join us for a screening of The Unafraid, a moving documentary that follows three immigrant students in Georgia as they navigate access to higher education while undocumented. Stay afterward for a thoughtful discussion exploring themes of identity, advocacy, and perseverance.

Alumni Panel & First-Gen Connections (Part I)
Date & Time: November 5, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Description: Hear from inspiring EOP alumni and learn professional and personal development strategies to help you succeed. Gain practical networking advice and insights from Bridge Kennedy, Career Success Specialist, and other first-gen professionals.

First-Gen Connections Mixer (Part II)
Date & Time: November 5, 2025 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: ARC Courtyard
Description: Continue the conversation in person! Network with fellow students, UCSC staff, and alumni in a relaxed and welcoming environment designed to foster community and connection.

Know Your Rights
Date & Time: November 6, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Cervantes & Velasquez Conference Room, Bay Tree Building (3rd Floor)
Description: Join UCSC’s new USIMM Attorney, Lily Ana W. Sturgis, for an empowering session on knowing your rights and understanding available resources. Topics include Special Immigration Juvenile Status, U Visas, Family Petitions, DACA, and more. The workshop will conclude with an open forum for students to ask questions and propose future topics.

A Trailblazer’s Mental Health
Date & Time: November 6, 2025 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Location: College 9 & JRL Namaste Lounge
Description: Explore the first-gen experience through a wellness lens. Join Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff to discuss mental health, community care, and strategies for supporting your emotional well-being as a trailblazing student.

Financial Aid Info Session
Date & Time: November 7, 2025 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual – Register via Zoom
Description: Learn how to make the most of financial aid resources and opportunities. Get your questions answered and discover tools to help you navigate the financial side of college with confidence.

A closer look: definitions and details within this story

First-generation college student: A first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians have not obtained a four-year college degree in the U.S. This includes students whose parents may have attended some college but didn’t graduate. 

Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP): Part of the Division of Student Affairs and Success, EOP provides dedicated support to first-generation, low-income, and educationally disadvantaged students.

Student Success: Regardless of their entry point, each individual is entitled to transformative experiences. Students have the opportunity, privilege, and access to engage in learning and unlearning various definitions of achievement. We are responsible for creating the conditions for students to achieve their self-determined goals, experience validation, develop as contributing members of the community, and expand their possibilities.

UCSC’s Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) encompasses nearly 800 professional staff and 1700 student staff spanning five major units. Our division cultivates an equity-centered environment that fosters scholars and change agents. To learn more, visit our website and follow @ucsc.dsas on Instagram.