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.

First-Generation College Celebration Main 2022

COE, Center Announce 4th Annual First-Generation College Celebration

1965 Act made way for low-income, first-generation students to break chain of poverty, become first in their families to earn college degree

FirstGen Forward / May 08, 2020

Fighting for their dreams, 1st-gen students face 'huge challenge'

A job market in freefall has compounded disappointment over delayed commencement.

ABC News / May 07, 2020

COVID-19 Disproportionately Affects Underserved Students

COVID-19's compounding effects threaten to ensure that students who were already behind will fall even farther behind.

ACT / May 05, 2020

Center Newsletter 5.5.2020

In this edition: 2020 First-Generation College Celebration; Virtual Event Recap; FREE Center Resources

FirstGen Forward / May 05, 2020

Bursting the College Bubble

Universities have long prided themselves on bridging the differences between students. Today, COVID-19 has instead highlighted hidden inequalities.

The New York Times / May 05, 2020

3 Ways Colleges Can Help First-Gen Students Hit Hard by COVID-19

If challenges are not addressed, many first-generation, low-income students may not see through their matriculation commitment in August.

The 74 / May 04, 2020

A Campus-Wide Approach to Supporting First-generation VOLs at UT

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville implements a campus-wide approach to support first-generation scholars.

Talisha L. Adams Ed.D. / May 01, 2020

“May I buy you a cup of coffee?”

The University of Portland makes the Pacific Northwest’s coffee culture the foundation of institutional efforts to support first-gen students.

Matt Daily M.Ed. / May 01, 2020

First-gen graduates see their perspectives as strengths

As first-gen graduates are being hired and empowered at more companies, their communal strength and tendency to help one another is hugely valuable.

Bloomberg / April 30, 2020

UF celebrating first-generation graduates Wednesday night

Online celebration tonight, commencement in a few months.

Florida Politics / April 29, 2020

Universities Owe Their Most Vulnerable Students More

Universities should better support first-gen students who give so much to their institutions: especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Next 100 / April 29, 2020

More Cause for Concern About Fall Enrollment

One in six students who'd planned to attend colleges full-time no longer plan to do so: even if they've already made a deposit.

Inside Higher Ed / April 28, 2020

Internet Access is Not Enough: Students Need Social Connections Too

Universities need to sustain connection to first-gen students, not only through remote coursework, but through virtual social and cultural engagement.

NYU Stern School of Business / April 28, 2020

Student Voice: Paying it forward makes higher ed worth the price

Daniel Rivera-Ibarra, a first-gen student, hopes to do his part to bring college degrees within reach for all.

The Hechinger Report / April 28, 2020

Low-Income Students Top Presidents' COVID-19 Worry List

Inside Higher Ed's newest study offers a look at how campus leaders' views and actions are evolving as COVID-19 management becomes the new status quo.

Inside Higher Ed / April 27, 2020

'Summer Melt' Could Be a Flood as Seniors Shift College Plans

The COVID-19 crisis and its fallout are prompting many members of the Class of 2020 to rethink their post-high school plans.

Education Week / April 24, 2020

Serving First-generation Students During a Worldwide Pandemic

WSU’s data-driven approach to first-gen student success has improved the institutional response to COVID-19.

V. Kaye Monk-Morgan Ed.D. / April 24, 2020

Finding Success in the Challenges

Lessons and considerations while navigating first-generation student support at the University of Virginia.

Alex Johnston M.Ed. / April 24, 2020