Every year, November 8 is set aside to bring awareness of First-Generation college students' identity. Schools and colleges are encouraged to provide information about the barriers and support necessary to help this population thrive. A celebration breakfast will be held at Albany Technical College in honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day, November 8, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM in the Kirkland Conference Center.

National First-Generation College Celebration Day is an annual call to celebrate students, faculty, and staff who are the first to attend college in their families.

This year, Albany Technical College is especially excited to celebrate with the inaugural class of inductees into their newly chartered chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) members. The Iota Psi Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha currently has twenty-seven members. The members include students, faculty, and staff.  All of the inducted faculty and staff are mentors on campus, some to multiple students who are first-generation students.

In addition to bringing awareness and providing support for first-generation students, Albany Technical College is celebrating the resilient population with a celebration breakfast.

During the breakfast, mentors, mentees, and other first-generation students, alums, faculty, and staff will participate in a mentorship workshop. Fitkeesha E. Beckford, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a first-generation college student, will be the speaker.

Ms. Beckford is the owner and therapist at Brevity of the Soul. She has over ten years of experience in psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting. Not only is Ms. Beckford a first-generation college student, but she is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. So, overcoming obstacles and thriving are ingrained in her. She is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate meaning she can supervise therapists in training. She specializes in working with people who experience circumstances surrounding anxiety, career change, depression, empowerment, freedom of self, life adjustments and transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, marriage, mood changes, relationships, self-esteem, stress, and wellness.

"My purpose is to help my clients lean into who they are and, ultimately, uncover the very best version of themselves, leaving them with the skills and tools needed to continue navigating life's journey."

Ms. Beckford can be contacted at 404.654.0461 or [email protected].

If anyone is interested in attending Albany Technical College as a First-Generation student or is a current First-Generation student and would like a Mentor, don't hesitate to get in touch with Javonda Robinson at [email protected]or 229-430-3611 or Carolyn Mills at [email protected] or 229-430-3607. The Department of Education sponsors this event.