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.

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

Latina College Graduate standing on steps outside of brick building in cap and gown

Daughter honors immigrant mom at Harvard graduation

Piece by piece, from her graduation robe to her hood, cap and stole, Nataly Morales Villa adorned her mother with her graduation regalia at Harvard University.

Good Morning America / June 24, 2022