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.

Transferring to an Elite School as a First-Gen, Low-Income Student

Paola Cruz thought the probability of her attending an elite university as FGLI was zero – until she got in.

Young Invincibles / May 28, 2020

First-Gen Students, The World Needs Us Now More Than Ever

First-gen graduate Deontrey Fuller urges the Class of 2020 forward despite the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Education Post / May 28, 2020

The Suder Foundation Amplifies Investment in First-generation Student Success

NASPA is pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with The Suder Foundation to expand and scale First Scholars®, a strategic initiative designed to increase persistence and completion for first-generation students.

FirstGen Forward / May 28, 2020

COVID-19’s Impact on First-Gen Students Is Complicated

COVID-19 brings students and practitioners face-to-face with the not-so-obvious challenges that come with students returning "home."

Education Post / May 27, 2020

Reflections on “Failing” at the Academic Market

"Luck" is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity. According to Andrew Martinez, failure unexpectedly made him lucky.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education / May 26, 2020

This moment is a reminder about the importance of HBCUs

HBCUs uniquely support first-generation students and black culture.

The Undefeated / May 25, 2020

COVID-19 disrupts a mother's American dream

Estéfani Peña Figueroa fulfills her mother’s vision — just without the pomp and circumstance.

The Denver Post / May 25, 2020

1st-generation college student named valedictorian

Kendra Grissom is the valedictorian of her graduating class at Spelman College, an HBCU, but when she'll be able to give the speech is uncertain.

Good Morning America / May 21, 2020

They Got Into Law School

With the help of four first-gen students, a Yale professor will pilot a free pipeline program in the fall for New Haveners to launch legal careers.

New Haven Independent / May 20, 2020

Report: Inequities, Barriers Remain for Degree Attainment

More students who are low-income and first-generation are enrolling in college, but many still aren't completing a bachelor's degree.

Inside Higher Ed / May 20, 2020

Center Newsletter 5.19.20

In this edition: Virtual SSHE; Center is Hiring; 2020 First-Generation College Celebration; Letter to Congressional Leaders

FirstGen Forward / May 19, 2020

MFOS lead the way across a virtual stage

UF acknolwedges the 176 MFOS Spring Graduates in a virtual graduation!

Leslie H. Pendleton Ph.D. / May 18, 2020

Rethinking college during COVID-19? You risk not graduating.

For first-gen, low-income students, taking a semester or a year off – to work or to wait for a more stable outlook – could mean never graduating.

USA Today / May 17, 2020

Recognizing First-gen Graduates

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln finds a way to celebrate commencement amid crisis.

Ashlee Kocina Young M.Ed. / May 14, 2020

Tribal Institutions Put Native Students First During COVID-19

“We know our families, we know our communities, and how we’ve survived."

Teen Vogue / May 14, 2020

UM scholarship program for first-gen students expanding

A scholarship program founded at the University of Michigan to improve the experiences of first-gen students is expanding to five US institutions.

M Live / May 12, 2020

Supporting Students from High School to College During COVID-19

Schools and districts have a role to play in creating the structured supports needed for students to persist on the path to college.

The Education Trust / May 11, 2020

UCSD to Recognize Graduating First Generation College Students

To celebrate first-gen grads, UC San Diego’s Triton Firsts initiative has created a virtual space to recognize these individuals.

UCSD Guardian / May 10, 2020