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.

Center announces new class to the First Scholars Network

Seventy-six new institutions selected based on demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students

FirstGen Forward / June 02, 2023

Campus selected for program promoting first-gen student success

The Center for First-generation Student Success recently announced Indiana University Kokomo as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network.

Indiana University Kokomo / June 02, 2023

ASU Outreach Program Helps First-Generation College Students

Navigating college can seem overwhelming for first generation students, but an early outreach program at Arizona State University aims to change it.

Public News Service / June 01, 2023

Race-neutral alternatives to affirmative action in college admissions

As higher ed leaders await rulings on race-based affirmative action, we look at research on how well race-neutral alternatives build diversity.

The Journalist's Resource / May 30, 2023

Let's Reward Accountability in Community Colleges

NASPA President and CEO, Dr. Kevin Kruger, shares how new legislature could transform Texas' workforce and millions of lives.

The Dallas Morning News / May 28, 2023

This program dedicated to boosting first-gen success rates is tripling down

First-gen students' four-year graduation rate at the University of Michigan reached 83%, one point less than continuing education students.

University Business / May 25, 2023

Seeds of Change

A Little Seed for Me to Sow, A Little Seed to Make it Grow...

Clarence L. McNeill / May 24, 2023

Three Georgia Southern University staff members hosting check-in table

First-generation Efforts of Georgia Southern University

Committed to student success, Georgia Southern University has explored a variety of options for providing support to and bringing awareness of the first-generational student population.

Leslie Harris / May 24, 2023

Two first-gen graduates posing at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Generational Pride & Niner Pride, the Perfect Combo

The End is Really Only the Beginning

Shayauna Newsom / May 24, 2023

First-gen program First Gems at Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Building First-Generation Connections & Community

Providing First-Generation Connections, Builds First-Generation Community

Christina Pantoja Williams / May 24, 2023

Scaling Up: Kessler Scholars Collaborative Grows Footprint

The first-generation support and scholarship program will launch its first cohorts of students at 10 new partner institutions this fall.

Inside Higher Ed / May 24, 2023

Center Newsletter 5.23.23

Scale Your #CelebrateFirstGen Efforts with Unrestricted Funds; FGSS Deadlines; Proactively Supporting First-gen Mental Health; Strengthening TRIO in Service of First-gen Students

FirstGen Forward / May 23, 2023

First-gen students around brainstorming table at Loyola University Maryland

Unleashing Hope: A First-generation Retreat

There’s nothing like a weekend in the mountains to remind us of the importance of being hopeful.

Mary Beth Mudric / May 17, 2023

Two graduates in their cap and gown at Purdue University Northwest

Growing a First-generation Institutional Identity from the Ground Up

A large regional campus adds first-gen to a diverse mix of student identities.

Colin D. Fewer / May 17, 2023

A graduating CMU student spent time helping first-gen students like herself

For two years, Guerrero led FIRST Together, a CMU student organization dedicated to providing resources and community for first-gen students.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette / May 13, 2023

Group of Grand Valley State University students at round table

First-Generation Center: Building Success Through TRIO Programs

Don’t Recreate the Wheel! While the saying may be a cliché, it still holds much truth. Established programs that have proven successful can be great tools when starting to plan for a new service center.

Linda M. Rettig, Nykia Gaines, Benardo Dargan / May 10, 2023

Bittersweet Moments

Looking back on being a first-generation college student.

Christen Foell, Sonya Welch, & Kimberly Quezada Carrillo / May 10, 2023

Center Newsletter 5.9.23

May is Mental Health Awareness Month; Engage Support for Black First-gen Students; #AdvocateFirstgen by Sponsoring Mental Health Policy; Leverage Evidence-based Practices to Improve Outcomes; Build Capacity to Promote Today's Students' Well-being

FirstGen Forward / May 09, 2023