Middlesex College Wins $2,500 To Celebrate First-Generation Students

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex College has received a $2,500 grant to expand its celebration of first-generation college students this November.

The college is one of 29 institutions nationwide chosen for the 2026 First-Generation College Celebration grant, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward, with support from TIAA.

The funding will allow the college to devote the week of Nov. 2 to celebrating and supporting first-generation students, Alexis Delgado, the college's dean of student success and retention, said in a statement. The week will also showcase the programs and clubs available through the college's First Generation Pathways unit.

"This grant allows First Generation Pathways to create meaningful experiences that foster belonging, connect students with campus resources, and remind our first-generation students that their college journey matters and that they are an important part of our campus community," Delgado said.

The First-Generation College Celebration highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. COE and FirstGen Forward launched the celebration in 2017.

"First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses," COE President Kimberly Jones said. "This grant empowers institutions like Middlesex College to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive."

The celebration has led to year-long first-generation student success initiatives, including student conferences, faculty development workshops, social media campaigns and a podcast series.

For more information about the college's initiatives for first-generation students, contact Delgado at firstgen@middlesexcollege.edu.

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