Lee's LEAP program hosts First Generation Day
Photo by Jamuna Gautam
Lee University’s LEAP program, a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, partnered with the TRIO McNair Scholars Program to host First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 7 in the Science and Math Complex.
The event featured several activities for both first-generation and continuing-generation students. Free food and snacks were available, along with a first-gen trivia game, photo booths and a mural for students to write about their identity and experience as a first-generation student.
LEAP (Learn, Engage, and Achieve Program) started in 2015 at Lee with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The program currently provides financial aid, mentoring, counseling and other personalized services to first-generation students who meet the eligibility criteria.
LEAP Director Dr. Roy Chan said the event was held to raise awareness about first-generation students on campus, which comprise 32% of the entire student body.
“We need to encourage diversity and inclusion of all students and help them recognize exclusivity,” Chan said.
He added that first-generation students face challenges on campus, from communicating with faculty to managing coursework.
“It is important to share both their successes and challenges with the larger community,” said Chan.
Senior history major Corey Dixon, who is a first-generation student and part of the program, said the resources TRIO program offers can help students get through the college experience.
“This celebration helps us to appreciate and find solidarity among us and other Lee students,” said Dixon.
He added that through various coaching sessions, scholarships and other academic benefits, first-generation students are empowered to work through their challenges.
The McNair Scholars Program is another TRIO SSS with a similar mission of preparing and equipping students for success. Lee University is the only southeastern member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) with a TRIO SSS and McNair Scholars program.
Kevin Ung, who directs Lee’s McNair Scholars Program, said the First Generation Day event marked the anniversary of the Higher Education Act in 1965.
“We are choosing this day to celebrate not only our first-generation students but to bring awareness and add diversity to our student body,” said Ung.
Ung said the event brought students from both TRIO branches to share and celebrate the huge impact the program has brought into their lives.
