Readout of Meeting on Priority Issues for First-Generation College Students
On Wednesday, in honor of National First-Generation College Celebration Day, the White House Office of Public Engagement convened approximately 80 first-generation college students from across the country to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts and investments in equity and access for first-generation students.
During the briefing, participants discussed ongoing efforts to increase opportunity for first-generation students and mental health support.
Participants expressed gratitude for the President’s actions to eliminate student debt and expand access to federal grants.
Biden-Harris Administration officials committed to working with students to ensure their voices are heard and continue efforts to advance equity and access for first-generation college students.
Administration Participants Included:
- Steve Benjamin, Assistant to the President, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Public Engagement
- James Kvaal, Under Secretary, Department of Education
- Melody Gonzales, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
- Krystal Ka’ai, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)
- Naeem Jenkins-Nixon, Deputy Director, White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Viviann Anguiano, Director for Education, White House Domestic Policy Council
- Faith Rynda, Public Engagement Coordinator, White House Office of Public Engagement
- Sol Ortega, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement, White House Office of Public Engagement
- Roxanne Garza, Chief of Staff, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education
- Wesley Whistle, Special Assistant, Office of the Under Secretary, Department of Education
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