VISION

Transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. Read the full FirstGen Forward vision statement here.

MISSION

We partner with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector and others to catalyze first-generation student success. We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students while engaging a broad coalition of advocates and allies across the public and private sectors to ensure support for this critical population.

ABOUT

First-generation college students are critically important and an increasing population at nearly all institutions of higher education. As college and university leaders and practitioners are actively seeking avenues to best meet the specific needs of first-generation students, FirstGen Forward serves as a leader for scholarly discussion, data collection and dissemination, information sharing, networking, and evidence-based program development and best practices.

Through provision of services and guidance across institutional types, FirstGen Forward acknowledges the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. This website serves as a home for updates and announcements, an outlet for sharing cutting edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through conferences and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.

FirstGen Forward, based in Washington, DC, invites you to join our engaged community of thoughtful practitioners across higher education. We encourage you to become involved in current and future initiatives and look forward to learning how you are currently serving first-generation students in your community. Thank you for your commitment to first-generation student success!