2026 First Gen Symposium

Join us at our Second Annual First Gen Symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Illinois!

The deadline to register is Friday, October 30, 2026, or until full capacity has been reached—this may be before October 1, as space is limited. Registration is $25 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Advance registration is required. Walk-in registration is not available. To receive the latest updates, join ISAC's e-Messaging service. For questions, contact isac.outreachtraining@illinois.gov.

The First Gen Symposium provides an opportunity for you to learn and share best practices for supporting first-generation students in postsecondary planning. At this year’s symposium, you will:

· Hear from programs actively seeking to increase belongingness among first-generation college students

· Hear from first-generation students and professionals on best practices and solutions that have come out of the barriers they faced

· Learn about scholarships specifically dedicated to first-generation college students

· Learn about different strategies taken by school counselors and college-access professionals to facilitate successful transitions for first-generation college students

· Learn about developing events tailored to first-generation students

· Understand the power of storytelling behind first-generation student success and graduation

Parking will be available in primarily lot N4. Additional parking will be available in lot N8.