First-Generation Movement
The first-generation movement is a national effort to recognize, support, and empower students who are the first in their families to attend college. It brings together institutions and advocates to raise awareness, promote equity, provide resources, and celebrate first-gen student success.
At its core, the first-generation movement is about equity—ensuring that being the first doesn’t mean going it alone. It’s about creating a more inclusive higher education system where first-gen students can thrive and be celebrated for their accomplishments.
Famous First-Generation Students
Did you know these successful individuals were also first-generation college students?
Viola Davis
An Academy Award-winning actress who graduated from The Juilliard School.
America Ferrera
An actress whose parents immigrated from Honduras. She earned a degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC).
John Legend
An American singer/songwriter who grew up in a working-class family in Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on African-American literature from the University of Pennsylvania.
Demi Lovato
A singer and mental health advocate who has spoken openly about being a first-gen student while pursuing higher education later in life.
Indra Nooyi
The former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Originally from India, she earned a degree from Yale School of Management in the U.S.
Howard Schultz
The former CEO of Starbucks and first in his family to attend college (Northern Michigan University).
Movies and Documentaries
These films offer a powerful look into the diverse experiences of first-generation students, capturing their journeys through college, the unique challenges they face, and the resilience, identity, and community that shape their paths. Each film highlights the emotional, cultural, and academic realities of navigating higher education as the first in their family, providing both inspiration and insight for all.
Social Media
If you’re looking for posts celebrating first-generation students and graduates in popular culture, the Instagram account First Gen and Juice* has you covered.
*This account is not run by or affiliated with Baker College.
Books
- First Gen: A Memoir by Alejandra Campoverdi
- Smart Girl: A First-Gen Origin Story by La’Tonya Rease Miles
Share Your First-Generation Pride
Showcase your First-Gen pride by sharing your story to be featured in Baker College’s Beeline newsletter column, “I’m Proud to be First-Gen.”