News & Blogs

Find the latest from the Center, learn new and innovative approaches from colleagues, and engage with current mainstream media conversations on first-generation student success. In addition to the filters below, please utilize the “search” bar in the top, right corner to search by keyword, author name, or publication title.

National First-Generation College Celebration to honor first-gen students, alumni

Sixth annual celebration to highlight adult learners; feature virtual event on Nov. 1

The Center / October 26, 2022

The Center Names Sam Goessling as First Chief Growth Officer

The veteran advancement and development executive will lead a capital campaign to support Center’s new multi-year growth plan.

The Center / September 28, 2022

Why Institutional Narratives About First-Gen Students Matter

Consider whether your college is putting too heavy a burden on first-generation students with its expectations, write Rashné Jehangir and Tai Do.

Inside Higher Ed / August 30, 2022

Students walking into and out of campus building between classes

Ensuring first-generation students and their families feel connected

A first-gen graduate working in enrolment shares insight into what administrators can do to ensure first-gen students and families feel connected.

The Times Higher Education / August 30, 2022

Center Newsletter 8.23.22

In this edition: Latest Journal Issue; #NASPA23 Call for Programs; Share Your #CelebrateFirstGen Plans; #CatalystFIRST Requests; First-gen Student Leadership

The Center / August 23, 2022

Admitting First-Generation and Low-Income Students is Not Enough

Dr. Nina Wieda urges institutions to think holistically about how FGLI students' experiences differ from those of other students.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education / August 15, 2022

Male student moving in to residence hall with parent

First-generation college student statistics in 2022

Dr. Sarah E. Whitley unpacks key statistics related to the first-gen student identity that inform recommendations for promoting student success.

Bankrate / August 15, 2022

Blueprint with light bulbs, charts, and bullseye icons

Helping Faculty Help First-Gen Students

Equipped with the right knowledge and tools, professors can help first-generation students succeed. Our infographic offers six supports to consider.

Inside Higher Ed / August 12, 2022

First-Generation Student, Intergenerational Success

Dr. Jack Thomas reflects on the first-gen identity and the importance of supporting this population through the lens of his own personal experience.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education / August 11, 2022

Wellesley College Students Sitting Outside on Pier Holding Banner that Says

Center Newsletter 8.9.22

In this edition: JFGSS Editorial Board Application; #AdvocateFirstgen; #CelebrateFirstGen Media Kit; #NASPA23 Call for Programs and Reviewers; Widen the Path Campaign

The Center / August 09, 2022

Silhouette of students rock climbing at sunset

9 Ways to Elevate First-Generation Student Support

Institutional efforts to strengthen and personalize supports for first-gen students get noticed. A survey reveals areas for expanded opportunities.

Inside Higher Ed / July 29, 2022

Normalizing the Unknown for First-Gen Students

Institutions must reassure first-gen students that it’s OK not to have all the answers, writes Nick Ladany.

Inside Higher Ed / July 28, 2022

Center Newsletter 7.19.22

In this edition: $10 Million Commitment to Move #FirstgenForward; Grant Opportunity; #NASPA23 Pre-conference Workshop Submissions; Professional Development

The Center / July 19, 2022

BIPOC Female Student Looking Left Outside on Campus

First in the Family Make Their Mark in College

While first-gen students’ backgrounds are unique, they tend to have high expectations, multifaceted goals, and complex support needs.

Inside Higher Ed / July 19, 2022

The Support Your First-Generation Students Need to Be Successful

It Starts with Demystifying the College Experience

Harvard Business Publishing Education / July 19, 2022

CSU East Bay Campus at sunrise with a red bus in the foreground

I was a first-gen student. Here’s what’s changed, and what work is left to do.

Cal State East Bay’s leader discusses how the first-generation experience changed since she was an undergraduate — and how colleges can respond.

Higher Ed Dive / July 11, 2022

Side Doors And Unspoken Rules Are Key To Success

A onetime first-gen student discusses the importance of mentors in getting those like him to and through college.

Forbes / June 30, 2022

The Suder Foundation Makes $10M Investment to Drive Transformational Change

Investment in Center for First-generation Student Success builds on existing financial commitment, seeds new growth phase to expand impact

The Center / June 28, 2022