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.

Graduating First-generation in a Global Pandemic

This blog features a student narrative on what it's like being a first-gen college student on the cusp of graduation. Four years have passed; now what?

Gineen Abuali / February 10, 2021

Overcoming Challenges to Support First-gen Students in a Pandemic

Learn how UMass Boston adapted to serving first-generation students in a remote environment.

Shelby J. Harris, Ph.D. & Phillip Begeal / February 03, 2021

The Power of Peer Mentor Training Framework

Creating a strong peer mentor training program with a solid structure and theoretical framework can create a powerful ripple effect in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.

Lorie Kittendorf, Ph.D. & Anayah Walker, M.A. / February 03, 2021

Colorado State University First Scholars News

With the signing of the NASPA and First Scholars agreement by CSU President Joyce McConnell in 2020, the partnership is now underway.

Colorado State University Source / February 02, 2021

Center Newsletter 2.2.21

In this edition: #AdvocateFirstgen; #FGSS21 CFP Open; #NASPA21 First-gen Sessions; The Latest First-gen Research

The Center / February 02, 2021

Innovation That Matters: a Conversation With Aimée Eubanks Davis

The founder of the nonprofit Braven talks about preparing first-generation college students to land “strong jobs” when they graduate.

The Chronicle of Higher Education / February 02, 2021

#AdvocateFirstgen: Who are the 117th Congress' first-gen advocates?

The Center needs your help to #AdvocateFirstgen! With the convening of the 117th Congress, we are identifying members of the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives who are first-gen graduates.

The Center / February 02, 2021

Inequities Persist in Applicants Despite Reducing SAT, ACT Requirements

Common App data shows college applicants increased by 10%. Low-income and first-gen student applications decreased even as schools reduced barriers.

INSIGHT into Diversity / February 01, 2021

The Full Story on Admissions

Record application totals are largely going to the institutions that already have plenty. Common App data point to declines from low-income students.

Inside Higher Ed / February 01, 2021

First To Soar

North Carolina Central University and the Men’s Achievement Center are committed to supporting first-generation students.

Roderick T. Heath, Ed.D. / January 31, 2021

Cardinal First introduces innovations to support first-gen families

North Central College’s award-winning Cardinal First program is using the virtual sphere to expand its offerings.

Jacob Imm / January 29, 2021

Advocates hope pandemic shift from requiring SAT, ACT will help diversity

But experiences of colleges that are already test-optional show other changes are also needed

The Hechinger Report / January 27, 2021

The First-Gen Ambassadors Program at Rutgers University–Camden

Learn how Rutgers-Camden developed an ambassador program to build a sense of community amongst first-generation students during the pandemic.

Dyron J. Corley, Ed.D.; Brandon Quiles, M.S.Ed.; and Fallon Conry, M.A. / January 27, 2021

Welcome Aboard Flight First-gen 2021!

Grambling State University continues its commitment to first-gen student success during the pandemic.

Gourjoine M. Wade, Ed.D. / January 27, 2021

If You Build It, Will They Come? Reimagining First-gen at Michigan Tech

A journey of discovering what first-generation student support could look like at Michigan Tech.

Susan Liebau, M.S. & Heather Simpson, M.S. / January 27, 2021

‘Alarm Bells’ on First-Generation, Low-Income Applicants

Common App shows overall application increase, but the gains are for larger and more competitive colleges.

Inside Higher Ed / January 26, 2021

Inaugural First-Generation Scholars Celebration

St. Edward’s University hosted its inaugural First-Generation College Celebration Day on Friday, November 6th, 2020 to celebrate our first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Sonia Briseno, M.S. / January 26, 2021

NASPA Announces the 2020 Virtual Innovation Awards Recipients

Five of 10 Virtual Innovation Awards recipients are First Scholars and First-gen Forward Institutions.

The Center / January 26, 2021