ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Every Blue Hen, regardless of their financial situation, should be able to walk the stage at graduation feeling proud of their accomplishments. For many students, this pride is demonstrated in the graduation stoles they wear, serving as a physical reminder of who they are, where they’ve been and where they’re going. The First Generation Gift Fund aims to provide funding to support first-gen students, who are the first in their families to graduate college. We recognize that support includes feeling celebrated and seen at graduation. This fund provides free graduation stoles to first-gen Blue Hens who are celebrating a huge milestone for themselves and their families. 

THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT 

Your gift will help us as we continue our support each year of over 100 graduating Blue Hens, who would otherwise pay hefty prices on top of the required regalia to cross the stage. When we asked first-generation college student graduates how they felt receiving their stoles, we heard repeated themes emphasizing stoles representing their communities and their sense of belonging at UD, the significance of the visual representation of their identities, and how empowered, grateful and special students felt. A gift of $30.00 guarantees a stole for a first-gen student; and $100 ensures three students can proudly wear their first-gen identity on graduation day. 

Gifts may also be used as general support for resources and programming for first generation students.