Students Support Services (SSS) hosted a week of events from Nov. 2–7 to celebrate first-generation college students.

First-Gen Week, an annual celebration tied to National First-Generation College Student Day on Nov. 8, highlights the achievements and experiences of students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.

This year’s theme was inspired by Coachella, transforming the Campus Commons into “Frogchella,” the main event of the week. Students, faculty and campus organizations gathered around the Frog Fountain for music, games, food and resource tables.

“We’re the first ones in our families to be here,” said Leila Aguilar, student board director for First-Gen Week and a first-generation Latina student. “Having the support from other people that have been here or have been part of TCU for a long time is very important for us.”

Aguilar said planning for the week began about three weeks earlier, led by a board of 10 student directors. This year’s main event expanded beyond previous years to reach more students passing through the Campus Commons.

The celebrations emphasized the importance of the broader TCU community beyond the program.

“It highlights those other people that support us and who are not first-gen, because they also are our support system,” Aguilar said.

A first-generation student is someone whose parent or legal guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree. Students whose parents have associate degrees or some college credit are still considered first-gen.

Student Support Services offers two programs on campus,  SSS Classic and SSS STEM-Health Sciences. Both serve first-generation, income-eligible students and students with disabilities. The programs provide academic support, financial guidance, tutoring, mentoring and personal development.

“We try to meet their needs so that it helps them not only be successful to graduation, but then beyond,” Cynthia Montes, director of SSS, said.

Montes added that First-Gen Week is not just for first-generation students, but for anyone who wants to show support.

“The success of our classmates is success for our community,” Montes said. “We all know someone who is first-gen. We all can get in on this celebration.”

Throughout the week, students attended workshops on career planning, financial literacy and navigating campus resources. Volunteer opportunities were available for students looking to assist with events or table at Frogchella.

“You just feel the energy around this celebration,” Montes said. “It manifests into people with excitement, laugh, joy and dancing.”

First-Gen Week concluded on Nov. 7, but Student Support Services will continue offering academic, financial and community support for first-generation students throughout the year.