By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University welcomes educators, students, student affairs professionals, community partners and advocates to its 2026 First-Generation Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the John Garrick Hardy Student Center.
Sponsored by University College and TRIO, the free conference will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the theme “Igniting Potential, Advancing Opportunity.” The event will bring participants together to share resources and strategies that support first-generation students’ academic success, persistence, leadership development, and personal growth.
“First-generation students bring tremendous potential, determination and diverse perspectives to our campuses and communities,” said Dr. Acquanetta Pinkard, First Gen Initiative Advisor and Conference Chair. “This conference provides an opportunity for educators, professionals and community partners to come together, share best practices and strengthen the support systems that help first-generation students thrive.”
Sessions will address five six: first-generation student success; workforce development and career readiness; equity and access; financial literacy and economic mobility; innovation and technology; and student support and well-being. The program will include workshops, panel discussions, interactive roundtables, and poster and research presentations.
“The conference will provide a collaborative environment for participants to exchange ideas, share resources and explore effective strategies to improve student success, persistence, leadership development and postsecondary achievement,” added Pinkard.
Registration is open at https://lnkd.in/eigsKkjP.