I was a first-gen student. Here’s what’s changed, and what work is left to do.
Preview:
It’s a commencement speech standard that never fails to generate rousing applause: “If you are the first in your family to earn a college degree, please stand.”
I said those words in May at 16 separate in-person commencement ceremonies here at California State University, East Bay, where 64% of our students are first-generation students.
Originally published: July 11, 2022
Author: Cathy Sandeen
Position: President
Institution: California State University, East Bay
Published by: Higher Ed Dive