SC State First Year Experience program celebrates first-generation college students

ORANGEBURG SC – In celebration of National First-Generation Day, the Alpha Alpha Alpha First Generation Honor Society (Tri-Alpha) recently hosted its second induction ceremony.

This semester, Tri-Alpha welcomed over 90 new members, including 34 students and seven faculty members who were inducted into the society. The ceremony recognized the achievements of first-generation college students and their dedication to higher education.

This allowed first-generation students to share their stories, connect with peers, and celebrate their success.

In addition to the celebration, the first-generation community collaborated with the 1890 Research & Extension program to host a cooking class tailored for students.

Dr. Rhea Bentley  led the collaboration. The event featured healthy recipes that students could easily prepare in their dorm rooms. The participants explored diverse ingredients and techniques, learning to enhance taste and presentation.

“It was inspiring to see students engage with the process, learning practical skills they can carry forward,” Bentley said. She described the session as educational and a stepping stone for future events.

Dr. Lisa Sparks, the executive director of SC State’s First Year Experience program, expressed pride in the growing first-generation community, emphasizing the society’s commitment to supporting and empowering trailblazers.

For more information about First Year Experience and first-generation students, contact Dr. Lisa Sparks at lspark1@scsu.edu or visit https://scsu.edu/first_year_experience.php.