HANDS program to show 'First Generation' Jan. 12

Western's HANDS (Helping Admit New and Diverse Students) mentorship outreach program will hold a free showing of the film "First Generation" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, in Academic Instructional Center West Room 204.

This event is free and open to the public.

The purpose of the showing is to bring awareness to the issues faced by first-generation high school students striving to attain a college education. A lack of resources and guidance often leads to a mindset in which college is just not an option for these students. This is where mentoring can really make a difference. After the film, HANDS mentors will provide all attendees with resources and information about mentoring programs (HANDS, Student Outreach Services, Compass 2 Campus) in which they can get involved and really emphasize the significance of a mentor in students' lives. 

Film Description: Narrated by Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, "First Generation" tells the story of four high school students -- an inner city athlete, a small town waitress, a Samoan warrior dancer and the daughter of migrant field workers -- who set out to break the cycle of poverty and bring hope to their families and communities by pursuing a college education.

Shot over the course of three years and featuring some of our nation's top educational experts (Richard Kahlenberg, The Century Foundation; J.B. Schramm, College Summit; Dr. Bill Tierney, University of Southern California), this 95 minute documentary explores the problem of college access faced by first generation and low-income students and how their success has major implications for the future of our nation.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact RobelPaguio at robel.paguio@wwu.edu or 360-650-7946.