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.

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

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

Center Newsletter 7.19.22

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

FirstGen Forward / 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

FirstGen Forward / 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

Center Newsletter 6.21.22

In this edition: Center's Fifth Anniversary; Plan Your #SSHE22 Experience; 2022 FGCC Grant Opportunity; Upcoming Closures; Pell Grant Anniversary

FirstGen Forward / June 21, 2022

Five Years of Moving #FirstgenForward

The Center for First-generation Student Success celebrates five years!

Sarah E. Whitley Ph.D. / June 14, 2022

Bright room with people seated around wooden table preparing for roundtable discussion

Center Newsletter 6.7.22

In this edition: Latest Journal Issue; #SSHE22 Featured Speakers; #AdvocateFirstgen; Center Online Learning; #NASPA23

FirstGen Forward / June 07, 2022

First-Generation College Students Need Internship Guidance

Landing internships and jobs is essential but often daunting for first-generation students.

Society for Human Resource Management / May 26, 2022

Center Newsletter 5.17.22

In this edition: Center Professional Development; SSHE; Center Online Learning; CatalystFIRST; Center Publications

FirstGen Forward / May 17, 2022

Tri-Alpha class at College of the Holy Cross

Supporting and Celebrating our First-generation Students

While blazing a trail for themselves and in their families, they have also contributed to creating an environment conducive to success for others.

Michelle Bata / May 04, 2022

Center Newsletter 5.3.22

In this edition: The Center is Hiring; CatalystFIRST; #SSHE2022 Featured Speakers; #AdvocateFirstgen; Upcoming Events

FirstGen Forward / May 03, 2022

Eastern Illinois University First-generation college student program

First-gen Forward: What a GREAT Year!

At EIU, 47.56% of our entire undergraduate population identify as first-generation.

Mona Y. Davenport / April 27, 2022

Five Voices, All First

Binghamton University uses storytelling to build community and provide first-gen students a true sense of belonging on campus.

Marissa Zelman, M.A.T. / April 27, 2022

Diverse female graduates looking forward at commencement

First-generation college students face unique challenges

Dick Startz provides data-based facts about FGLI students and discusses evidence that “first-gen” and “low-income” are not synonymous.

Brookings / April 25, 2022