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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