National First-Generation College Celebration Week (NFGCCW)

Signature Events

Funding, FAFSA, and Finances...Oh My!

• Date/Time: 11/8/26, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
• Location: Newman Library, Goodall Room
• Details: Financial wellness is self-care. Join us for Sunday Brunch as we learn how to navigate FAFSA, understand your financial aid package, build a budget, and discover paid opportunities that support your success as a Hokie. This interactive workshop will connect first-generation students with campus experts and resources designed to reduce financial stress and increase financial confidence.
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First-Gen Breakzone Takeover

• Date/Time: 11/9/26, 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Breakzone in Squires
• Details: Breakzone’s relaxing environment offers a way to spend some time with friends The First-Gen BreakZone Takeover provides a low-pressure, community-centered opportunity for students to build relationships, engage with peers, connect with campus resources, and practice self-care through recreation and social engagement. Through fun and interactive activities, participants will strengthen their sense of belonging within the Virginia Tech community while learning about resources and organizations that support first-generation student success. Pizza, wings, and other refreshments served!
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The Network Exchange: Student-Faculty Networking Social

• Date/Time: 11/11/26, 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Holtzman Alumni Center
• Details: Your network is a powerful form of social capital that can expand your net worth by increasing access, knowledge, and support. Join us for The Networth Exchange, a first-gen networking social designed to help you build meaningful connections with faculty, staff, and administrators who can open doors to academic, professional, and personal opportunities. Heavy Hors'derves served.
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Community Game Night

• Date/Time: 11/12/26, 6-8 p.m.
• Location: Squires Commonwealth Ballroom B
• Details: Meet other first-gen students, compete in fun group games, win prizes, and learn about resources that can support your success. College is easier when you have people in your corner. Join fellow first-generation students for a night of interactive games, conversation, food, and fun designed to help you connect with others who share similar experiences. Through team activities and friendly competition, you'll have opportunities to build meaningful relationships, learn about support resources available through Services for Students with Disabilities, and explore ways to deepen your involvement in the first-gen community through GenOne. Your next friend, study partner, or support system could be sitting at your table.
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First Scholars Luncheon

• Date/Time: 11/13/26, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Location: Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room
• Details: Forward Together serves as the culminating event of National First-Generation College Celebration Week, bringing together undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and university leaders to explore the possibilities that lie beyond the bachelor's degree. Through meaningful conversation, mentorship, and peer engagement, participants will gain insight into graduate education, learn about the graduate student experience, and discover how the choices they make today can create opportunities for tomorrow. By fostering connections across academic levels, this luncheon highlights the power of community, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Participants will leave inspired to think boldly about their futures, explore advanced education pathways, and recognize that their first-generation journey can open doors to leadership, scholarship, research, and professional success.
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Full List of Events