UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Registration is now open for the 2026 First-Gen Student Support Summit, an annual, University-wide event that brings together Penn State faculty, staff, students and advocates to explore strategies that support first-generation student success.
This year’s summit will be held Thursday, March 19, and will focus on the theme "Future-Ready First Gen." This year’s event format emphasizes connection and insight with a hybrid keynote address from Joshua Fredenburg, a leadership consultant, author and certified emotional intelligence coach.
The 2026 summit schedule includes:
- 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. — staff and faculty breakfast and networking, Dewey Room, Pattee Library
- 9:30 to 11 a.m. — keynote address and Q&A, Foster Auditorium and through Zoom
- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — student leaders lunch, seating available on a first-come first-served basis, Dewey Room, Pattee Library
Registration will be open at success.psu.edu until event capacity is reached.
During his keynote address, Fredenburg will offer actionable guidance and real-world insight to help students and educators consider strategies that prepare first-gen graduates to thrive in their careers, communities and beyond.
Fredenburg has more than 18 years of experience speaking on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, career success and personal empowerment. He is the author of eight books, including “The First-Generation Student Career Playbook.” He holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s degree from Biola University.
As president and founder of the Circle of Change Leadership Experience and First Generation Student Career and Leadership Experience, Fredenburg has worked for 15 years to support culturally diverse and first-generation students in developing leadership skills and advancing career success. He has appeared on national television networks and has been recognized as a "Top Leader Under 40" in South Florida.
The First-Gen Student Support Summit is organized by the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success, which serves all undergraduates at the University Park campus and is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education. The center provides proactive support and tailored interventions to help undergraduate students develop essential skills, navigate academic transitions and foster a sense of connection and belonging.
The 2026 summit is co-sponsored by University Libraries and Adult Learners Programs and Services, part of Penn State Student Affairs.
First-Gen Community Celebration
A "First-Gen Community Celebration" is scheduled for April 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall. This new commencement-season event will honor graduating first-generation students and the broader network of supporters who have contributed to their journey. The celebration will be open to all members of the campus community.
About the Chaiken Centers at Penn State
Gene (Penn State class of 1962) and Roz Chaiken are the generous benefactors of five success centers at Penn State. In 2021, they created the Chaiken Center for Student Success in the College of the Liberal Arts — a center designed to provide students with the resources, programming, and other support needed to help them succeed in their studies. A subsequent gift in 2024 led to the naming of four additional Chaiken Centers across the University: the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success in Undergraduate Education, the Chaiken Center for Student Success in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State World Campus, and the Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State Abington.