First-generation college students, grads unite for #ProofPointDay

Are you a first-generation college graduate or student? Encourage other first-generation students by wearing green and posting a selfie to social media on Friday, May 30 with the handle #ProofPointDay. This day will celebrate the accomplishments of first-generation college students and graduates, who make up 50 percent of the college population according to a 2010 study from the Department of Education.

The primary goals of ProofPoint Day are to bring visibility to the hundreds of thousands of first-generation college graduates in the U.S. and reinforce what is possible by inspiring the next generation. Too often, first-generation college students do not complete degrees. Inside Higher Ed reported in 2011 that this population earns a degree at the rate of 27.4 percent after four years, compared to 42.1 percent of students whose parents have degrees.

Tulsa is one of 10 champion cities selected to participate in this inaugural social media event. Others participating are Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, San Antonio, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.