GVSU TRIO First Gen Celebration Detroit 2023

FIRST

GEN Celebration 10 TH NOVEMBER FROM 3:30PM - 6PM Location: University Prep Academy High School (Black Box) 600 Antoinette St, Detroit, MI 48202

In partnership with

Pistons Game to follow Celebration @ 7PM

FIRST

GEN Celebration First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.

Since the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-generation Student Success launched the inaugural celebration in 2017, hundreds of higher education institutions, corporations, non-profits, and K-12 schools have joined together in recognizing the achievements of the first-gen community on and around November 8.

This year, leverage Celebration Day to deepen your community’s understanding of the systemic barriers plaguing higher education and the supports necessary for this resilient population to continue thriving across education, career, and life.

Just keep moving

forward

FIRST

GEN Celebration

FIRST GEN CELEBRATION I am excited to welcome you to Grand Valley State University TRIO Upward Bound Detroit First Gen Celebration.

In our program we look forward to providing our Scholars a space to BELIEVE, a place to BELONG, and a time to BECOME. Our First Gen Celebration honors the tradition of the Council for Opportunity in Education as TRIO programs nationally celebrate the achievements of first generation college students, and uplift asset based narratives that advance students who are pursuing a college degree. As a pre-college program that serves students who will fit the first-generation classification, we understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating the journey our students are on.

TRIO Upward Bound Detroit would like to personally thank our community partners in making today’s celebration possible. Special thank you goes out to Detroit College Access Network and The Konnection for sponsoring our catered dinner for today’s event.

In TRIO Upward Bound Detroit, we continue to Turn Roadblocks Into Opportunities (TRIO). Happy First Gen Celebration!!!

Sincerely,

Grand Valley State University TRIO Upward Bound Detroit Director

FIRST

GEN Celebration SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES

TIME:

Scheduled Events:

EVENT:

3:30PM - 4PM

TRIO UB Scholars work on First Gen Signs Greetings from Cyekeia Lee, DCAN Music

4PM - 4:10PM

Welcome to First Gen Celebration Adam Harris, Director

4:10PM 4:30PM

First Gen Session (20 min session)

4:30PM 4:40PM

Kahoot (Prizes for Top 3 Winners) GVSU Vice President, Dr. B. Donta Truss & Bernardo Dargan

4:40PM 4:55PM

First Gen Discussion & Survey GVSU TRIO Staff & Division of Enrollment Development & Educational Outreach

4:55PM 5:10PM

Rising Star Challenge Recognition Mikal O’Neal, Program Coordinator

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In partnership with

University Prep Academy High Black Box 600 Antoinette Detroit, MI 48202

http://gvsu.edu/ubdetroit

5:10PM - 6PM

Kayla Jones, Keynote Speaker

Dinner & First Gen Panel Discussion Sharnese Marshall, The Konnection CEO & Founder, and Panel Facilitator

BELIEVE. BELONG. BECOME.

your time is

NOW

KAYLA JONES FIRST GEN ADVOCATE & COUNSELOR

FIRST

GEN Celebration

SHARNESE MARSHALL FOUNDER & CEO

Amber Harris

Xavier Jackson

Sonya Simmons

Oakland University Sophomore Year

Wayne State University Freshman Year

University of Detroit Mercy Graduate

FIRST

GEN

Celebration DINNER PANEL DISCUSSION PANELISTS Amber Harris Amber Harris is a sophomore attending Oakland University. She is currently studying Health Sciences Pre-Medical Studies. She is the secretary of Minority Associatation of Pre-Medical Students and she holds many on campus positions, such as being a Teaching Assistant for Biology I. In the past year, Amber was able to receive $20,000 in scholarships towards her educational journey. Amber believes that students can be successful in receiving scholarships for all years of their college journey; however, she states that “students must apply, apply, apply!”

Xavier Jackson Xavier Jackson is a graduate from University Preparatory Academy High School, and a freshman at Wayne State University. Xavier is majoring in African American Studies and Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies. Currently, Xavier is in two dance groups on campus, being a K-pop dance group known as Impulse, an African Dance Group, and Melodetroit, which is an Acapella group on Detroit.

Xavier is the recipient of the GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Directors Award.

Sonya Simmons Sonya Simmons is a recent graduate from the University of Detroit Mercy. Sonya studied criminal Justice and psychology. She is currently working as a Success Coach and Case Manager at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. Sonya is hoping to pursue her Master’s degree in a related psychology major sometime soon.

FIRST

GEN Celebration AARON JOHNSON BRAND STRATEGIST & LIFESTYLE MARKETING MANAGER Aaron Johnson Born in Jackson, Michigan then relocated to Saginaw, Michigan with his family in 1999. Aaron is a First Generation college graduate from Northwood University, where he studied Sports Entertainment and Promotion Management and Marketing.

While playing basketball at Northwood, he met the director of sales for the Detroit Pistons, and upon leaving Northwood, he landed a full time position as inside sales director in June of 2014. He has held many positions with the Pistons throughout his career with the team working in various marketing departments. Recently, Aaron just celebrated entering his 10th season with the team. Over the last 10 seasons, he’s been fortunate enough to have many accomplishments and success, like creating a lifestyle culture program that is recognized as a best practice and top 5 in the league by the NBA. Aaron currently resides in downtown Detroit, and is looking forward to expanding in his career and growing and nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders.

In partnership with

Special Thank You!

Click on the University Prep Academy High School building image (left) for driving directions to the school. Parking across the street.

FIRST

GEN Celebration

University Prep Academy High School Black Box 600 Antoinette Detroit, MI 48202 Office Phone: (313) 874-4340

A Federally Funded Program

250 Detroit Center 163 Madison St. Detroit, MI 48226-2129 www.gvsu.edu/ubdetroit ubdetroit@gvsu.edu 616-331-9294