Expressing support for the designation of November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 850

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-01-08T09:07:08Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 850) expresses congressional support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." It honors the anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), which expanded access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students, and recognizes the challenges and contributions of these students.

Key Provisions

• Background on the HEA: Highlights the HEA's role in creating programs like the Federal TRIO programs (which support underrepresented students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds through preparation, services, and motivation for advanced education) and the Federal Pell Grant program (federal financial aid for low-income students to attend colleges of their choice).
• Definition of First-Generation Students: Defines them as individuals whose parents did not complete a bachelor's degree (or, if raised by one parent, that parent did not complete one).
• Challenges and Statistics: Notes barriers faced by first-generation students, such as academic, financial, and social hurdles; 45% of bachelor's degree seekers are first-generation; two-thirds of community and technical college students are first-generation, with low completion rates for associate degrees or certificates; 73% work while in college; 27% have dependents; and many aspire to advanced degrees (37% to master's, 16% to doctoral).
• History of the Celebration: References the 2017 launch by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success, now observed by colleges, corporations, nonprofits, and K-12 schools.
• Call to Action: Urges people across the U.S. to:
• Celebrate the day nationwide.
• Acknowledge first-generation students' role in building the future workforce.
• Honor the HEA and its programs for aiding historically excluded students in accessing higher education.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic endorsement rather than enacting new policy.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of first-generation students' contributions and struggles, potentially encouraging support, mentorship, and participation in educational programs; may inspire more students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue higher education.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but could indirectly promote Department of Education initiatives like TRIO and Pell Grants by highlighting their importance.
• On Educational Institutions and Nonprofits: Encourages broader adoption of the celebration, fostering events and resources to support first-generation students.
• International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused on domestic education policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• First-Generation and Low-Income Students: Directly recognized for their perseverance and workforce potential.
• Educational Institutions: Colleges, community colleges, and K-12 schools, which may expand celebratory or support programs.
• Nonprofits and Organizations: Groups like the Council for Opportunity in Education and Center for First-Generation Student Success, whose efforts are spotlighted.
• Employers and Corporations: Highlighted for their role in workforce development through supporting these students.
• Federal Government: Congress and the Department of Education, via emphasis on HEA programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding effect and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence; it cannot enforce actions or allocate funds.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views under Article I, without infringing on individual rights or state powers.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Moore of Wisconsin and Rep. Simpson), signaling congressional consensus on promoting educational equity; could influence future funding discussions for HEA programs but remains symbolic.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-10-31: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-31: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day". — issued 2025-10-31 — PDF (4 pages)