Texas Tech University

First Gen Summit

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Save the Date invitation. Details listed below.

 

Registration for this event is now closed. 

The First-Gen Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in the Student Union Building at Texas Tech University. 

The summit welcomes K–12 students, families, educators, college students, faculty and staff to celebrate and support the first-generation community. Attendees can look forward to presentations, group discussions and networking opportunities designed to encourage success from early education through graduate school.  

We look forward to celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of our first-generation community.

2026 First-Gen Summit Agenda


View Agenda (Accessible PDF)

Texas Tech University First-Gen Summit Breakout Sessions:

 

Each session runs approximately 30–40 minutes with time for Q&A and conversation following the session. 

Breakout Sessions 1 (9:45 - 10:30 am) 

Target Audience Title Presenter Location Description
High School Students College 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare Zach Manning Matador Room

Learn the basics of what college life is really like: academics, schedules, dorms, and everything in between. This session demystifies college and helps you get ready for success. 
First-Gen College Students First, Not Last: Creating Your Own College Success Story  CiCi Nuñez Mesa Room In this workshop, we’re going to talk about how to turn that courage into confidence, and that first step into a powerful success story; a story that will leave a blueprint for others to follow. 
High School Professionals Creating a College-Going Culture in High-Need Schools  Stacy Caviel-Watson, Ph.D.  Senate Room Explore ways faculty can implement inclusive practices, culturally responsive teaching, and curriculum design that validates first-gen student experiences. 

Breakout Sessions 2 (10:45 am – 11:30 am)

Target Audience Title Presenter Location Description
Higher-Education Professionals Creating First-Gen-Inclusive Curriculum and Pedagogy  Sara De La Garza, Ph.D. Senate Room Explore ways faculty can implement inclusive practices, culturally responsive teaching, and curriculum design that validates first-gen student experiences. 
High School Students Paying for College: Scholarships, FAFSA, and Financial Literacy   Candice Cross & Shannon Davis  Matador Room Learn how to afford college with confidence. We’ll cover financial aid basics, scholarships, and how to budget as a student.
First-Gen College Students  From First Year to Career: Planning Your Academic and Career Pathways Jay Killough Mesa Room Learn how to align your coursework, extracurriculars, and internships with your long-term career goals—starting now. 
High School Professionals Using the Concepts of Empowerment when Advising & Mentoring First-Gen Students Jon McNaughtan Canyon Room Move beyond deficits. Learn how to advise using a strength-based framework that empowers first-gen students and affirms their potential. 
Higher Education Professionals Faculty & Staff as First-Gen Mentors and Allies  Panel: Paul Ruiz, Ashley Gonzales, Ph.D., and HSI Ambassadors Senate Room Explore how faculty and staff, especially those who are first-gen themselves, can play a transformational role in student success through intentional mentoring and advocacy. 

Breakout Sessions 3 (1:15 pm – 2:00 pm)

Target Audience Title  Presenter Location Description
High School Students Crafting your Inner Champion   Claudea Hernandez (University Coaching & Student Achievement) Matador Room Join us to discover what it means to be your own champion as you pave the way as a future First Generation College Student! This interactive workshop will be focused on positive affirmations, encouragement, and strategies to unleash your inner champion. 
First-Gen College Students Financial Wellness: Managing Money While in College   Kami Jackson (Red to Black) Mesa Room Whether it’s saving, budgeting, or understanding loans, this session empowers you to take control of your finances now and in the future. 
High School Professionals Bridging the Gap: Building High School to College Pipelines  Sara Martinez Canyon Room Learn how to establish partnerships with higher education institutions to support first-gen student transition and retention from high school to college. 
Higher Education Professionals Institutional Culture Shift: Embedding First-Gen into the Mission   Andrea Moreno-Juarez, Ph.D. Senate Room Explore what it means to be a first-gen-affirming campus. Learn how to integrate first-gen values into institutional policy, marketing, strategic plans, and leadership priorities. 

Breakout Sessions 4 (2:15 pm – 3:00 pm)

Target Audience

 Title Presenter Location Description
High School Students A Day in the Life: Student Panel with First-Gen College Students   First Year Experience Students  Matador Room Hear directly from first-gen college students at Texas Tech. Ask your questions and gain insight into their real experiences. 
First-Gen College Students Resilience and Self-Care: Balancing Academics and Mental Health   Heather Frazier Mesa Room Learn practical strategies for managing stress, overcoming setbacks, and prioritizing your well-being throughout your college journey. 
High School Professionals Partnering with Institutions: Dual Credit, Early College, and More   Debra Lavender-Bratcher, Ph.D.  Canyon Room Learn how to utilize and expand access to early college credit programs and partnerships that promote long-term academic success for first-gen students. 
Higher Education Professionals  Celebrating First-Gen Success: Storytelling, Branding, and Advocacy   Rachel Hoover Senate Room

From social media to graduation cords, learn how to elevate and celebrate first-gen narratives to foster pride, belonging, and visibility across campus. 

 

First-Gen Red Raiders

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