Texarkana College will hold the inaugural First-Generation College Student Celebration at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the school's library plaza, where first-generation students will be recognized by mayors on both sides of the state line.
The event, which is also being held nationwide, will bring recognition to those "first-gen" college students who have committed to reaching their full potential through attainment of a higher education degree or credential.
Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman and Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Ruth Penney Bell will make a joint proclamation. Refreshments and door prizes will be available.
Dr. Tonja Mackey, TC's executive director of TRIO programs, said the programs help many eligible students, who are primarily low-income and qualify for Pell Grants, to experience things more advantaged students have.
"We're able to increase their cultural capital," she said. They take the students to programs offered in TC's Stillwell Theatre, purchase tickets for them to attend performances at the Perot Theatre and have even taken a group to Dallas to see "Wicked."
"We try to provide healthy outdoor activities to them as well," she said. "That includes yoga, and we have met for walks and book clubs. We want them to experience all of the things the college tries to provide and more. We do it in smaller groups, as well, so we can have that advising too."
Mackey said the majority of employees who work with students in the TRIO pro-
grams are also first-generation college students.
"It helps us to identify with them," she said. "The U.S. Department of Education likes to hire people with those similar backgrounds."
The DOE funds three TRIO programs at TC through grants they must apply for every five years.
The programs include Talent Search, Student Support Services and the Educational Opportunity Center.
Talent Search was established through the Higher Education Act of 1965 and provides academic, career and financial counseling to students in junior high and high school to prepare for college.
The Student Support Services program provides resources for academic development, and the EOC assists adults in choosing a post-secondary education program and obtaining federal financial aid.
More than 75 percent of TC students are the first in their family to go to college. Mackey said the Talent Search and Student Support Services have been on the campus for more than 20 years to improve student success.
"We want to let them know they have our undivided support. We are here for anything they need," she said. "We were there too. We know what they are going through, and we want them to help complete their program."
Last year, TC's Talent Search program served 636 students, the Student Support Services program served 242 and more than 1,000 students were served by the EOC.
For more information on these programs and Wednesday's event, go to https://www.texarkanacollege.edu.