2015

The first 1vyG summit is held at Brown University

In 2015, over 300 students from across the US gathered at Brown University for the inaugural 1vyG conference to discuss ways in which universities could better support low-income, first-generation college students. The event featured keynote speeches from Brown University President Christina Paxson, Executive Director of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative, Eric Waldo, and QuestBridge CEO Ana McCullough.

1vyG is covered by the likes of the New York Times and the Boston Globe

The 1vyG conference made headlines across the US, with coverage from major publications such as the New York Times and the Boston Globe. This landmark event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, think tanks, academic scholars, and university administrators, to engage in discussions about class in elite higher education. It was the first time that such a broad range of voices had come together to address this important issue. The conference sparked important conversations and offered insights into the challenges and opportunities facing first-generation college students.

One of three 1vyG founders, Manuel Contreras, is invited to the White House to speak alongside First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

After the successful 1vyG conference, one of the organizers, Manuel, was invited to speak on a panel with First Lady Michelle Obama. During the panel, Manuel emphasized the need for universities to reevaluate their assumptions about who a college student is, and to adapt their policies and support systems in order to better serve first-generation college students. He discussed the unique challenges and obstacles faced by these students, and highlighted the importance of providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed in college and beyond. Manuel's insights and experiences as a first-generation college student were well-received by the audience and garnered significant media attention.