Cal Poly Pomona Honors First-Gen Students with a Week of Celebration and Connection
Cal Poly Pomona will join the national celebration of first-generation college students with First-Generation College Student Week, featuring events for the first-gen community.
The I Am First program, which aims to create visibility for and connect the first-generation community on campus, has coordinated a variety of speaking events, workshops, and social events geared towards first-gen students connecting with faculty, staff and peers that also identify as among the first in their families to attend college.
At CPP, students are considered first-generation if neither of their natural or adoptive parents received a bachelor’s degree in the United States; if they regularly resided with and received support from only one parent and that supporting parent did not receive a bachelor's degree; or if an individual did not reside with or receive support from a natural or adoptive parent. As of Fall 2025, 55 percent of CPP students identify as first-gen. Many CPP faculty and staff are also first-generation college graduates.
“We’re so excited to celebrate our first-gen students during First-Gen Week,” said Giselle Dominguez Salazar, assistant coordinator for student success and I Am First program lead. “We hope all first-gen students, faculty, and staff have a chance to connect, have fun, and celebrate their journeys. Come join us for events, meet your community, and enjoy some surprises along the way.”
This week’s events are free and open to all students, faculty, and staff, and are made possible through generous support from SoCalGas and the Kellogg Legacy Foundation. You can find more information and RSVP on the I Am First website or myBAR.
Nov. 4
CPP First-Gen Week Kick-Off Celebration & Resource Fair
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Park
Celebrate the start of First-Gen Week and explore campus resources designed to support first-generation students. Connect with faculty, staff, and fellow first-gen students while learning about programs and services available at CPP.
Cookies & Crafts
5 to 6 p.m. at Building 73, Room 124
Join us for a fun, creative evening with sweet treats and hands-on crafts. Take a break, connect with the first-gen community, and celebrate your journey.
Nov. 5
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Speed Mentoring
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Building 66, Room 0216 (Student Success Design Lab)
Join CPP ASAP and MSI for this speed mentorship workshop! Grab lunch on us and learn about best practices for finding a mentor-all grounded in APIDA cultural values and First Gen experiences. Spots are limited so RSVP today!
Unwritten Rules: First-Gen's Guide to Success
2 to 2:50 p.m. on Zoom
Discover the unwritten rules that shape success in college and the workplace, and learn how first-gen students can navigate them with confidence.
First-Gen on Tap!
5 to 7 p.m. at Innovation Brew Works
Connect with mentors, mentees, and fellow first-gen Broncos at this fun First-Gen Week event. Enjoy food and drinks while supporting a future first-gen student scholarship.
Nov. 6
Fireside Chat with La'Tonya Rease Miles author of Smart Girl
Noon to 12:50 p.m. at the Bronco Student Center, Ursa Major
Join Dr. La’Tonya “LT” Rease Miles, author of Smart Girl, as she shares her inspiring first-gen journey of identity, resilience, and success.