WKU News

Western Kentucky University’s Student Support Services – Disability (SSS-D) and the First-Generation Initiative are proud to announce the upcoming First-Generation Student Leadership Conference, to be held November 14–15, 2025, at WKU’s Bowling Green campus. This year’s theme, “Unlock Your First-Gen Power,” celebrates the strength, resilience, and leadership of first-generation college students through an empowering superhero storytelling lens.

The conference will bring together an anticipated 75 first-generation students from across the region for two transformative days of inspiring keynote speakers, resource fairs featuring campus and community supports, and interactive workshops focused on leadership, academic success, and personal development.

Attendees will journey through four superhero-themed tracks:

●      Student Wellness – Tools for mental health, stress management, and self-care

●      College Success – Academic strategies, navigating college systems, and campus involvement

●      Career & Graduate School Readiness – Resume building, graduate school prep, and professional pathways

●      Financial Literacy – Budgeting basics, managing student aid, and planning for financial independence

“This conference is designed to uplift and empower first-generation students,” said Jimmie Martin, Director of Student Support Services – Disability. “By blending resources, mentorship, and community, we want students to see themselves as capable leaders who are ready to unlock their full potential.”

Students who have benefitted from WKU’s first-generation support programs echo the excitement. “Being a first-generation student can feel overwhelming, but WKU’s first-gen community has given me the tools and confidence to thrive. I can’t wait to attend the conference and connect with others who share this journey,” said Maria Lopez, WKU junior and First-Gen Scholar.

As a First-Gen Forward institution, WKU is dedicated to creating and sustaining programming that supports and celebrates first-generation students throughout their educational journeys.

Registration for “Unlock Your First-Gen Power” is open to all first-generation college students in Kentucky and surrounding states. The deadline to register is November 1, 2025.

For more details and to register, visit:

https://1stgenconference.my.canva.site/wku-first-generation-leadership-conference or contact:

Jimmie Martin 

Project Director 

WKU Student Support Services – Disability

Phone: (270) 745-5175

Email: sssd@wku.edu