National FirstGen Celebration

Since 2018, our annual National FirstGen Day celebration has grown to celebrate our FirstGen students, faculty and staff. Selected as a member of the 2024-2025 FirstGen Forward cohort, Biola is among an elite group of schools that strive to serve college students who are the first in their families to graduate from a United States higher education institution.

This year, Biola joins hundreds of higher education institutions, nonprofits and K-12 schools to recognize the achievements of the first-gen community.  Our theme for the 2024 celebration centers around "stones of remembrance" mentioned in Joshua 4 and 1 Samuel 7 in which God's faithfulness and help are shown to His people. Here are the events planned:

• FirstGen AfterDark Image of God Chapel: Tuesday, October 29 from 9:10-10:10 p.m. | Four FirstGen students will share their stories on God's faithfulness and help in time of need.

• National FirstGen Celebration: Thursday, Nov. 7 from 12-2 p.m. at Fluor Fountain | Join us in celebrating FirstGen College Students with free food, a photo booth and swag. Biola students, staff/faculty, alumni and family are all welcome to join!

Please join us in celebrating the resilient and incredible journeys of first-generation students, staff and faculty for this special annual celebration! Let us know you're coming by submitting your RSVP Here.