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.

Framingham State University School Mascot

Getting to Know You Better: A Survey to Bridge Support

Bridging the gap between services offered and services needed.

LaDonna Bridges / August 25, 2021

Building the Raft for Our First-generation Otters

As a growing and diverse raft, CSUMB supports and celebrates our first-gen otters through cross-campus collaboration.

Michael Dorsch & Purvi Shah / August 25, 2021

2021 Center Openings

The Center is hiring! Submit an application by September 13.

FirstGen Forward / August 23, 2021

Center Newsletter 8.17.21

In this edition: Latest Journal Issue; Editorial Board Open Call; Center Online Learning; #NASPA22 CFP and Reviewers; #CelebrateFirstGen Highlights; CatalystFIRST; First-Generation Southwest Symposium

FirstGen Forward / August 17, 2021

Community Support for First-Generation Graduate Students

We cannot assume that just because they successfully navigated their undergraduate years they will smoothly sail through graduate training.

Inside Higher Ed / August 09, 2021

Outreach to the First-gen Community through Digital Technology

Northern Arizona University is expanding our reach beyond mentoring programs.

Katherine Lawlor, M.Ed. / August 05, 2021

Center Newsletter 8.3.21

In this edition: FGCC Grant Opportunity; #NASPA22 Call for Programs and Reviewers; #AdvocateFirstgen; Center Online Learning; First-Generation Southwest Symposium

FirstGen Forward / August 03, 2021

Center Newsletter 7.20.21

In this edition: Recapping #FGSS21; Countdown to FGCC Grant Opportunity; New National Data Fact Sheets; Virtual Professional Development; TRIO Program Funding

FirstGen Forward / July 20, 2021

Collins, Tester, Baldwin Lead Push for TRIO Program Funding

The letter was signed by a record 56 bipartisan Senators, including Senator King.

The Office of Senator Susan Collins / July 08, 2021

Test-optional requirements helped first-generation applicants

Selective schools saw a sharp increase in applicants and a more diverse applicant pool. But will waiving SAT and ACT scores stick around long-term?

USA Today / July 04, 2021

Second-generation college students need support, too

If you really want to bridge the racial wealth gap, stop asking families of color to sacrifice so much to educate their children.

Chalkbeat Colorado / June 25, 2021

Center Newsletter 6.22.21

In this edition: #FGSS21; New National Data Fact Sheets; Center Anniversary; Upcoming Closure; FGCC Grant Opportunity

FirstGen Forward / June 22, 2021

Astronaut to College Leader

My best piece of advice–if you want to become an astronaut, become one.

Courtney N. Haun, Ph.D., M.P.H. / June 15, 2021

Celebrating Four Years of Moving #FirstgenForward

This year, we thought critically about how to create community, advance policy through advocacy, and strengthen professional development opportunities to meet unprecedented times.

FirstGen Forward / June 14, 2021

Colorado banned legacy admissions. What does it mean for students?

Few colleges in the state even consider an applicant’s family ties to a school, so what does the law really change?

Chalkbeat Colorado / June 10, 2021

Center Newsletter 6.8.21

In this edition: National Data Fact Sheets; #AdvocateFirstgen; Preparing for #FGSS21; Center Anniversary; FGCC Grant Opportunity; CatalystFIRST

FirstGen Forward / June 08, 2021

male professor blue polo talking to students

First-Generation Academics and False Promises

The myth that a career in academe is likely is particularly pernicious for those of us for whom the stakes of belonging are much higher.

Inside Higher Ed / June 01, 2021

1st-gen college student beats COVID-19 barriers to stay in school

Her story is the story of first-generation and low-income students across America, from Los Angeles to rural Mississippi and everywhere in between.

USA Today / May 20, 2021