UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — All members of the Penn State community are invited to present at the fourth annual First-Gen Student Support Summit on Thursday, March 27.
This hybrid conference, sponsored by the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success, will be an opportunity to recognize, learn and build community surrounding the first-generation student experience at Penn State.
Penn State defines “first-generation student” as any student whose immediate parents or legal guardians have not completed a baccalaureate degree. Approximately 1 in 4 undergraduate students at Penn State identify as first-generation, according to demographic data from the Office of Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research.
The 2025 theme, "From Insights to Action," builds upon the past summits' insights to emphasize actionable, ready-to-implement strategies for professionals, addressing the growing demand for tangible tools to improve first-gen student success across Penn State. Proposals that emphasize actionable takeaways and practical strategies are encouraged.
Members of the Penn State community are invited to submit a presentation proposal by Feb. 28.
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
- First-Generation Program Design: Innovative approaches to creating or enhancing programs for first-gen students.
- Advising Strategies: Effective methods for supporting first-gen students in academic, career or personal advising.
- Inclusive Pedagogy: Teaching techniques that promote success for first-gen learners in the classroom.
- Engagement Practices: Strategies for fostering a sense of belonging and community among first-gen students.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Examples of cross-departmental or cross-campus initiatives that support first-gen success.
- Data-Informed Practices: How to use data to identify and address challenges faced by first-gen students.
Presenters are welcome to submit proposals outside these suggested areas as long as they fit the theme and focus on actionable outcomes for attendees.
New this year, a portion of the summit will be presented in a flipped-classroom style, with asynchronous, pre-recorded lightning sessions. Presenters will be asked to record a 15–20-minute presentation on their topic for attendees to watch on their own schedule beginning March 24.
The summit will include an in-person keynote presentation and roundtable at University Park on March 27. The keynote will also be livestreamed and a discussion session held virtually for remote participants.
Questions about the summit can be directed to the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success at completepsu@psu.edu.
The Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education and is located at 325 Boucke Building on the University Park campus. 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. Other University Chaiken Centers are housed within the College of Information Sciences and Technology, College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State Abington and Penn State World Campus.