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.

Basic Needs Support for First-gen Students

UCSB's strategies to address the basic needs of our first-gen students during a profoundly difficult time highlight expanding services of existing programs, launching new programs, and taking a broader approach to outreach.

Rebecca Segundo / February 24, 2021

Reinventing Student Success in a Post-Pandemic World

While the pandemic has created barriers for students and challenges for institutions, it has also provided an opportunity for us to reimagine how we foster student success.

Deirdre Slavik, Ph.D. / February 24, 2021

I’m a Black, first-gen graduate. Biden is wrong about debt cancellation.

When Biden said that students from “Harvard and Yale and Penn” didn't need loan forgiveness, I thought: He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Fortune / February 23, 2021

Warning signs appear for low-income applicants

There are clear indications that fewer low-income, first-gen, Black and Hispanic students are applying to college for this year than in the past.

The Washington Post / February 19, 2021

The First-gen Takeover

The First Gen Takeover at Owens Community College was a great success!

Brandon Gaddy, M.Ed. / February 18, 2021

Celebrating and supporting UTEP First-gen students virtually

Now more than ever, UTEP’s first-generation students are determined to find ways to remain engaged and committed to completing their studies during unprecedented times.

Nicole Aguilar / February 17, 2021

Beyond Intervention: Serving First-generation College Students

This blog will push you to rethink your approach to supporting first-generation college students.

Samantha Raynor, Ed.D. / February 17, 2021

TLU Proud to be the First Program

If you ever feel last, remember you are always FIRST!

Samira López, M.Ed. / February 17, 2021

‘College Belonging’

Author discusses her new book on first-generation students and how they navigate college life.

Inside Higher Ed / February 17, 2021

Cortez Masto Hosts Town Hall with First-gen Students, Mentors

Conversation focused on how Congress can best support these students and what we can do to increase equity in opportunities for future generations.

Office of Catherine Cortez Masto / February 17, 2021

Center Newsletter 2.16.21

In this edition: #FGSS21 Registration Open; Upcoming Events; First Scholars; Gearing up for #NASPA21; CatalystFIRST

FirstGen Forward / February 16, 2021

Mentoring and Celebration for First-gens at Tusculum University

Tusculum University initiates adult learner mentoring program and celebrates first-generation students

Rachael Barnett, M.A. / February 10, 2021

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

Supporting First-Year, First-gen Students Remotely

How can an institution effectively support first-generation students from a distance when the students aren’t showing up?

Caleb Bae / 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

#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.

FirstGen Forward / February 02, 2021