At Ivy Tech, we believe in being the launchpad for dreams and the bridge to new opportunities. A significant number of our students are building that bridge for their families for the very first time. They are pioneers, navigating the path to higher education without a family map to guide them. 

This fall, Ivy Tech Indianapolis is proud to host our annual First Generation Week, taking place from November 3-7, a dedicated celebration of our students who are the first in their families to attend college. This national celebration spans a week that leads up to the National First-Generation College Student Day on November 8, and we have planned daily events to honor the resilience, determination, and immense value that first-gen students bring to our campus.

But first …

What is a First-Generation Student?

A first-generation (commonly known as “first gen”) college student is defined as a student whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not completed college. This means that these students are charting new territory, often balancing the excitement of college with unique challenges, from understanding financial aid and academic jargon to navigating campus culture.

First-Gen Leader Chancellor Dr. Stacy Atkinson Shares Her Journey

Ivy Tech Indianapolis is led by a first-generation graduate herself, Dr. Stacy Atkinson. To provide inspiration and solidarity, we sat down with her to discuss her personal journey. In a special video interview, Chancellor Atkinson answers ten candid questions about her experiences, offering wisdom and encouragement for our community.

Watch the full video to hear more from Chancellor Atkinson:

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“I see you, and I am you. I know what it feels like to walk into a space and feel the weight of everything you carry ... I questioned if I was smart enough, tough enough, or simply just enough. But I kept going, and so will you. You are not alone. You are not the only one who has ever felt out of place. What you are doing is hard and scary, but it’s also extraordinary. You do not have to be perfect. Perfect is boring. You just have to be you.”

– Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Chancellor

Get a Head Start: Join the First-Gen Book Club!


The celebration starts early! Come join Indy Library & Tutoring for a special First-Gen Book Club to build community and get ready for First Gen Week. We will be reading Alejandra Campoverdi's powerful memoir, “First Gen.”

When you join, you will receive a free copy of the book. This is a stress-free club—there's no pressure to keep up with reading. Come ready to discuss what it means to be a first-gen student, talk about the book, or simply sit and read with fellow pioneers.

Book Club Dates:

How We’re Celebrating: Join Us for First Gen Week Events!

First Gen Week at Ivy Tech Indianapolis is from November 3-7, 2025. This week is a national celebration, and we are thrilled to join colleges across the country in recognizing the resilience, determination, and immense value that first-gen students bring to our campus.

We invite all students, faculty, staff, and community members to participate in our lineup of events designed to educate, support, and celebrate our first-gen community. Here’s what’s happening:

Monday, Nov. 3 | Crafting Confidence

⌚Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

📍Locations: Downtown Campus (NMC 438 Auditorium) & Lawrence Fairbanks (Bear Cave)

🎉What: Kick off the week by de-stressing and building community through creative crafts.

Tuesday, Nov. 4 | First Gen Workshop: Tell Your Story

⌚Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

📍Location: Downtown Campus (NMC 438 Auditorium)

🎉What: Learn how to powerfully articulate your first-generation journey and experiences for scholarships, interviews, and personal empowerment.

Wednesday, Nov. 5 | Dear Me: A Mental Health Experience

⌚Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

📍Location: Downtown Campus (NMC 438 Auditorium)

🎉What: Participate in a reflective session focused on mental wellness, self-care, and writing a letter of encouragement to your past or future self.

Thursday, Nov. 6 | Etiquette Luncheon & Step Into Success Mixer

⌚Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

📍Location: Downtown Campus (CCCI, Penthouse)

🎉What: Enjoy a complimentary luncheon while learning essential professional and dining etiquette to build confidence in formal settings.

Friday, Nov. 7 | First Gen Night

⌚Time: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

📍Location: Downtown Campus (NMC 438 Auditorium)

🎉What: This is the capstone event! We invite you and your friends and family to join us for an evening of food, karaoke, face painting, kid-friendly coloring booklets, and more. Celebrate your journey with those who support you most!

First Gen Week is more than just a celebration; it's a reminder that at Ivy Tech, no student walks alone. We are a community of support, dedicated to ensuring that every pioneer has the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed.

For more information on any of these events, please visit IvyLife. If you need support, reach out to your success coach at indy-studentsuccess@ivytech.edu. 

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.