UC Berkeley receives national grant to celebrate first-generation students

“For 60 years, EOP has been part of Berkeley’s commitment to creating pathways for students to access, navigate, and thrive at the university,” says Yuki Burton, director of UC Berkeley’s Educational Opportunity Program and a Berkeley and EOP alumna. “As someone who found community and support through EOP as a student, it’s especially meaningful to now help carry that legacy forward. This recognition is a celebration of the generations of first-generation students who have made Berkeley what it is, and of the community that continues to grow around them.”

The National First-Generation College Celebration is observed annually on November 8, commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the national celebration recognizes the experiences, contributions, and achievements of first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni. At Berkeley, the celebration brings together more than 250 first-generation students, staff, faculty, alumni, and other members of the campus community to celebrate their experiences, build community, and strengthen connections across generations of first-generation Golden Bears.

At Berkeley, the celebration builds on year-round work led by EOP and partners across campus to support and advance first-generation student success. EOP provides holistic academic counseling, peer mentorship, financial support, community-building opportunities, and other resources designed to help students navigate Berkeley and make the most of their university experience.

As EOP marks its 60th anniversary, that legacy continues through initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of Berkeley students. One example is the EOP Readmission Equity Grant, which helps students who have stopped out of the university address past-due balances that can prevent them from returning to campus. To date, the program has cleared more than $276,000 in outstanding balances, helping students re-enroll and continue their path toward a Berkeley degree. The initiative reflects a commitment that has remained at the heart of EOP for six decades: helping students not only access Berkeley, but navigate the university, persist, and complete their degrees.

This year’s National First-Generation College Celebration will also build momentum toward the 60th anniversary of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). The event “A Legacy of Promise Fulfilled” is taking place November 5, 2026 at UC Berkeley. The anniversary will recognize six decades of EOP’s impact at Berkeley and the students, alumni, staff, and community members who have contributed to that legacy.

COE President Kimberly Jones, JD, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like UC Berkeley to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive.”

Dr. Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are deeply grateful to partner with UC Berkeley and institutions across the country in advancing the success of first-generation college students. We extend our sincere appreciation to TIAA for their generous support of this grant, an opportunity to catalyze meaningful, lasting impact for students and the communities they call home.”

What began nationally as a one-day celebration has grown on campuses across the country into week- and month-long celebrations and year-round initiatives supporting first-generation student success. Berkeley’s 2026 activities will celebrate the university’s first-generation community while connecting students with opportunities, resources, and one another.

For more information about UC Berkeley’s Educational Opportunity Program and its 60th anniversary, visit eop.berkeley.edu/eop60.