Students on North Country Community College’s Saranac Lake campus participate in a First-Generation Student Celebration in the Connector on Nov. 6. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — North Country Community College has launched a new effort to connect with, support and celebrate first-generation college students — those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Earlier this month, the college hosted its inaugural series of First-Generation Student Celebrations across all three campus locations: Nov. 5 at the Malone campus, Nov. 6 in Saranac Lake, and Nov. 10 in Ticonderoga. Each gathering featured opportunities for students, faculty and staff to come together in recognition of the resilience, hard work and achievements of the college’s first-gen community.

As part of the festivities, students were invited to enjoy free first-gen-themed T-shirts, campus trivia games and community-building activities designed to spark conversation, strengthen campus connections and highlight the shared experiences of first-generation learners. Faculty and staff who were the first in their family to attend college were also encouraged to wear alumni apparel from their alma maters as a show of support and a reminder that many college leaders once walked a similar path.

While each campus offered its own unique activities, all three events shared a common goal: to lift up first-generation students and recognize their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

“Our First-Generation students embody grit, determination and possibility,” Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Jackie VanBrunt said. “Their success is a reminder that education has the power to transform not just individual lives, but families and communities. We’re proud to celebrate their journeys and to continue building a campus environment where every first-Gen student feels supported.”

To ensure the celebration reaches all members of the college community, including those who could not attend in person, North Country extended the festivities online. First-generation students were invited to compete in online trivia and were offered free first-gen T-shirts by mail.

“We want every first-gen student to know they are not alone,” VanBrunt said. “They are surrounded by a community that believes in them, supports them and celebrates their success.”

The college looks forward to expanding its first-gen initiatives in the coming year and continuing to create pathways for student achievement.