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CCA Receives Grant to Support First-Generation College Celebration

A student stands next to the Community College of Aurora’s fox mascot, who is wearing a shirt that says 'I am a first-gen student.' The image includes the CCA logo and text that reads, 'CCA Celebrates First-Generation Students with Support from National Grant.'

Nov. 12, 2025

Aurora, CO – Last week, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) hosted the annual FirstGen Celebration to recognize students who are the first in their family attending a higher education institution. CCA received the $2,500 First-Generation College Celebration Grant Opportunity from FirstGen Forward and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) with support from TIAA. The grant supported CCA’s events, including a resource fair, conference, and professional development training for CCA faculty.

Students and staff gather at a registration table during the Community College of Aurora’s First-Generation Celebration event. The table displays flyers, QR codes, and a shirt that reads 'I am a First Gen Student.' The college mascot stands nearby, and refreshments are set up on a table in the background.

A student checks in at the Community College of Aurora’s FirstGen Celebration
conference at Heritage Hall.

This grant reinforces our commitment to making sure that every first-generation student, staff, faculty, and instructor feels seen, supported, valued, and that they belong here at CCA and in higher education. said Julie LaRock, CCA Dean of Student Success. Through our FirstGen Celebration, we showcase what’s possible for our first-generation community and continue breaking down the barriers that stand in their way.

After a state law passed in 2024, the Colorado Department of Higher Education began recognizing higher education institutions that enroll a higher-than-average number of first-generation students. In its inaugural year, the Department designated CCA as a First-Generation-Serving Campus. After the state’s designation came national recognition when FirstGen Forward invited CCA to join the FirstGen Forward Network.

The First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country since 2017 for an often-overlooked population through numerous events. CCA has hosted annual First-Generation College Celebrations for several years. 

COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this work, stating, First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like the Community College of Aurora to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.

Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments: We are thrilled to partner with the Community College of Aurora and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re especially grateful to TIAA for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities.

Experiences of the first-generation college student identity extend beyond the academic career and shape post-completion, professional endeavors, and community engagement. Celebrating and raising awareness of the identities and accomplishments of first-generation college students and graduates contributes to generational progress, economic mobility, civic engagement, and more.

A Peek into CCA’s 2025 FirstGen Celebration 

The celebration included events every day of the week, starting small on Nov. 3 and growing into the main events Nov. 6 and 7. CCA elevated visibility for first-generation students by tabling on campus early in the week. Early events also included trivia, with food and snacks always provided. 

The conference on Nov. 6 was the anchor of the 2025 celebration, promising a chance for students to win a $500 scholarship for those who attended at least two of the day’s ten sessions. Thanks to support from the CCA Foundation, four students won those scholarships. Students, faculty and staff gathered at the CentreTech campus Fine Arts building where a full day of conference sessions awaited. Devon Hopson, keynote speaker and Assistant Director of Advising at the University of Colorado Boulder, kicked off the day in Heritage Hall by sharing his experiences as a first-generation student. 

Students sit in a lecture hall while a fox mascot walks down the aisle wearing a black shirt that reads ‘I am a First Gen student.’ Some students are eating and drinking while looking at the mascot.
Four people sit in a row of chairs in front of a banner with the Community College of Aurora logo. One person holds and speaks into a microphone, while the others look towards them.

Students gathered in Heritage Hall during a lunch session at the Nov. 6 conference. The college mascot, Foxy, made an appearance.

Anthony Luevanos (second from the left) speaks during the alumni panel alongside other first-generation CCA alumni.

Topics presented throughout the day centered around navigating the higher education environment, like finding the right school, applying for financial aid, and how to succeed in school. CCA staff led most conference sessions, representing the Office of Disability and Equity, TRIO, and the Division of Student Success. The day ended with a special performance preview of CCA’s recent theater production, “Work In Progress.”

On Nov. 7, first-generation education continued virtually. Faculty heard from keynote speaker Dr. David A. Rettinger, co-author of “The Opposite of Cheating.” The professional development half-day continued with interactive sessions that explored integrity, innovation, and inclusive learning in the age of AI.

High resolution photos are available here.

About the Community College of Aurora

The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Students Success, is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. We provide data, training, and expertise to a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students. FirstGen Forward aims to acknowledge the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. It offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences, and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services.

Contact

Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201   |  E: [email protected]