About FirstGen Forward
Login

The Future is FirstGen

Center Strategic Priorities

FirstGen Forward / August 01, 2018

Center Logo

 

The Center has identified four strategic priority themes: Connect & Recognize; Knowledge Creation & Evidence-based Practices; Innovation & Scalable Approaches; and Thought Leadership & Advocacy.  Across each theme are goals and objectives.  The Center Strategic Priorities are critical to driving higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.

 

Connect Multi Black
 
Connect & Recognize

Goal

Build engaged communities across higher education that foster, recognize, and celebrate excellence in serving first-generation student success.

Objectives

  • Peer Networks: Create networks that facilitate the sharing of knowledge, strategies, and resources advancing first-generation student initiatives.
  • Recognition: Develop a platform to identify and recognize higher education institutions who demonstrate commitment to improving first-generation outcomes.

Knowledge Multi Green
 
Knowledge Creation & Evidence-based Practices

Goal

Develop and promote scholarly research and data-informed practice as the primary clearinghouse for post-secondary education to advance first-generation student persistence and completion.

Objectives

  • Original Research: Create a research agenda that positions the Center as a leading contributor to the scholarly knowledge base and practical understanding of first-generation student success.
  • Advancing the Knowledge Base: Foster peer-reviewed scholarly literature and data-informed reports and provide a centralized repository for those seeking knowledge across post-secondary education.

Scalable Approaches Blue
 
First Scholars Network

Goal

Engage the First Scholars Network to create innovative approaches, drive evidence-based solutions, and provide professional development to advance systemic, scalable impact in improving first-generation student success.

Objectives

  • Signature Programs: Advance First Scholars Network signature programs and services that provide and scale the support of first-generation student success at IHEs.
  • Innovative support: Develop new programs and services that create and expand the support of first-generation student success at institutions of higher education.

Thought Leadership Orange
 
Thought Leadership & Advocacy

Goal

Be a catalyst and thought leader for advancing critical first-generation student success conversations through national convenings, advocacy, and policy influence.

Objectives

  • Thought Leadership: Promote opportunities to convene leaders across the higher education sector with the intent of solving complex issues and advancing systemic change for the first-generation student experience.
  • Awareness: Advance the first-generation student success agenda in public spheres, both mainstream and across higher education.
  • Advocacy: Lead advocacy and public policy efforts to transform the landscape around first-generation student success.

Related

cardinal first
North Central College Commits to First-generation Students

Nearly 40% of students at North Central College identify as first-generation college students.

Julie Carballo M.Ed. / April 10, 2018
Group of Suffolk University staff
We Never Stop Being First-gen

Once First-gen, Always First-gen

Anita M. Perez / November 10, 2021
Group of faculty at luncheon hosted by Wofford College
It Takes A Village

Institutions in Spartanburg, SC come together for an opportunity to connect and seek additional opportunities to support first-gen students in the area.

James Stukes / January 25, 2023
UVA State on Track to Break Degree, Application Records

UVA focuses more attention on high-achieving, underserved high school students, whether in rural Virginia or the center of the District of Columbia

The Daily Progress / January 16, 2018
Reinventing Student Success in a Post-Pandemic World

While the pandemic has created barriers for students and challenges for institutions, it has also provided an opportunity for us to reimagine how we foster student success.

Deirdre Slavik, Ph.D. / February 24, 2021
UVA Sees Spike in First-Generation Applicants

The University of Virginia sees a 1% increase in first-generation college student enrollment.

CBS19News / January 14, 2018