Senators Marshall, Warnock Pass Bipartisan Legislation Honoring First-Generation College Students

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) passed bipartisan legislation honoring first-generation college students. The resolution designates November 8 as “National First-Generation College Celebration Day,” which is also the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education by strengthening educational resources for colleges and universities and by providing financial assistance for students in post-secondary education. 

“As a first-generation college student, I know how exciting it is to be the first in the family to attend college. Whether heading to a two-year or four-year school, the journey through higher education is an opportunity and accomplishment that should be celebrated. I’m proud to give a spotlight to our first-generation college students with this resolution and support programs such as TRIO, Pell Grants, and other resources to set up college students for success,” said Senator Marshall.

“I am a proud product of good public policy, and programs like Head Start, Upward Bound, and Pell Grants helped me become the first in my family to graduate from college,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This bipartisan legislation celebrates how college can help kids like me live their dreams and I am proud to champion this legislation alongside Senator Marshall.” 

Additionally, the resolution recognizes the important role that first-generation college students play in helping develop the nation’s future workforce. The resolution also celebrates the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the programs that have helped underrepresented students access higher education. 

The resolution text can be viewed below.