![\"\"](\"http:\/\/news.utoledo.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/first-gen-poster.jpg\")
<\/a>The concept of first-generation students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965. TRIO is a group of grant-funded outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from historically marginalized demographic categories. UT holds grants for TRIO Student Support Services and Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science.<\/p>\n\u201cThe No. 1 strategic priority at The University of Toledo is to improve student and academic success. We want first-generation students to know that we have support services in place,\u201d Robin Stone, director of TRIO Student Support Services, said. \u201cWhen they know they are part of a community that celebrates them and is committed to identifying success paths that address needs specific to them, those first-generation students will experience greater success.\u201d <\/p>\n
In addition to TRIO, faculty, staff and students from across the University have been meeting to strategize how best to recognize and celebrate first-generation students. The committee includes representatives from Academic Affairs; Student Affairs; University Libraries; Diversity and Inclusion; Alumni Relations; Sociology and Anthropology; and Sigma Lambda Gamma, the Latino sorority. <\/p>\n
In addition to the formation of a student organization dedicated to first-generation students, this committee is also hosting an informational reception at Carlson Library Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to learn more about what it means to be a first-generation student and why it\u2019s important to celebrate and understand them.<\/p>\n