2027 Symposium

2027 Symposium

10th Annual First-Generation Symposium:

Then.Now.Next.

Honoring the Past • Thriving in the Present • Shaping the Future

February 16, 2027  (In Person) &
February 17, 2027  (Virtual)

Call for Proposals NOW OPEN!

Event Description

Symposium Overview & Theme Description

Join us for the 10th Annual First-Generation Symposium as we celebrate a decade of leadership, community, and transformative student success. This landmark national gathering brings together educators, advocates, practitioners, storytellers, and student leaders from diverse institutions across the country to share insights, showcase impactful practices, and shape the future of educational opportunity. 

Our 2027 theme, Then. Now. Next., provides a comprehensive framework to honor our history, examine current achievements, and build forward together:

 

Honoring the Past (Then): Recognizing longstanding staple programs, foundational roots, and the powerful evolution of first-gen stories and historical support structures that paved the way.

Thriving in the Present (Now): Highlighting evidence-based strategies, holistic practices, and innovative support systems actively working across diverse fields right now.

Shaping the Future (Next): Chart the trajectory of the first-generation movement over the next decade. As higher education undergoes rapid transformation, this pivotal moment demands proactive leadership, systemic innovation, and strategic collaboration.

 

We invite proposal submissions aligned with the following core pathways for the 2027 Symposium:

 

Tracks

Focus & Topics

1. K-12 Pathway: Access, Aspiration & Readiness

Paving early avenues into higher education through K-12 and higher ed partnerships, family engagement, and academic readiness.
Suggested Topics: College-going identity, admissions and financial aid navigation, dual enrollment, mentoring, federal GEAR UP programs, and AI in college readiness.

2. Belonging, Families & the Student Experience

Building inclusive campus cultures, fostering holistic student well-being, and engaging families as essential partners in success.
Suggested Topics: Identity validation, overcoming imposter feelings, peer mentoring, mental health, family financial aid literacy, jargon-free communication, and wellness support.

3. Beyond Access: Retention, Persistence & Completion

Proactive strategies and high-impact interventions guiding students from matriculation through graduation.
Suggested Topics: Early alert systems, holistic advising, academic momentum, transfer support, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), and closing graduation gaps.

4. The First-Gen Financial Reality

Addressing non-tuition costs, financial barriers, and basic needs insecurity to support persistence.
Suggested Topics: Food/housing security, emergency funds, financial literacy, FAFSA updates, Pell Grant policies, federal financial aid navigation, textbook costs, and working students.

5. Career Capital: From College to What's Next

Empowering students to translate degree completion into career entry, postgraduate studies, and long-term networks.
Suggested Topics: Internships, social capital, professional networking, salary negotiation, employer outreach, and workforce development funding.

6. AI, Technology & Innovation

Leveraging digital tools and AI ethically to bridge technology gaps and build modern career skills.
Suggested Topics: AI literacy, ethical tech integration, federal digital equity initiatives, and tech-driven career preparation.

7. Government Policy, Leadership & Institutional Transformation

Actionable insights for leadership, faculty, and staff to scale initiatives, navigate regulations, drive policy, and transform campus infrastructure.
Suggested Topics: Structural reform, federal grant management, legislative shifts, student advocacy, narrative storytelling, institutional accountability, assessment frameworks, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Submission Guidelines & Presenter Expectations

 
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

 

Important Dates & Deadlines

Proposal Submission Deadline

November 19, 2026

10th Annual Symposium

February 16, 2027 (In Person) & February 17, 2027 (Virtual)

 

Questions & Resources