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.

Ithaca College Maintains First-gen Forward StatusIthaca College maintains its status as a first-generation forward institution

To ease first-generation students’ transition to college and establish a community of first-generation students on campus, the college houses the First-Generation Center.

The Ithacan / September 27, 2023

From First-Gen to Professor: Rachel Harmon’s Journey

Rachel Harmon’s journey from a first-generation college student to a professor Rachel Harmon, a Visiting Professor of Political Science at Oxford College

The Emory Wheel / September 20, 2023

University of Wisconsin - Carrie Antlfinger / Associated Press

What first-generation college students actually need

First-gen students are less alone than they were a decade ago, but there’s a lot more that can be done.

Los Angeles Times / September 18, 2023

Summer Bridges Build First-Gen Connections

Data indicate that participants feel more comfortable accessing resources, more prepared for college, and more socially connected.

Inside Higher Ed / September 15, 2023

shondaland: First Gen book cover and author image

Author wants First-Gen Students to Know They’re Not Alone

Alejandra Campoverdi shares her powerful story in a new memoir, “First Gen.”

shondaland / September 13, 2023

students at UNC Chapel Hill First-gen event

Commitment to equity and opportunity

UNC-Chapel Hill maintains national standing as supporter of first-generation students

Carolina Graduate School Magazine / September 13, 2023

Press Release - Tennessee community college system joins First Scholars Network

Tennessee Board of Regents’ community colleges joins the First Scholars Network

These thirteen community colleges mark the first statewide system of schools to commit to advancing first-generation student success with the Network

FirstGen Forward / September 12, 2023

Center Newsletter 9.12.23

Congratulations, Grant Recipients!; Shaping the Future of First-gen Student Success; #AdvocateFirstgen by Understanding the Legacy Admissions Debate; Meet the New JFGSS Editorial Assistant; Center Webinars; Workshop on First-gen Students

FirstGen Forward / September 12, 2023

Nature Physics Sept Issue Cover - fish tail

To boldly go where their parents did not go before

First-generation students have to overcome obstacles other students don’t. Every academic can help.

nature physics / September 11, 2023

Student Voice: Poor, first-gen transfer students often don’t feel welcome on campuses

The schools we attend and students we study with must do a better job of making us feel supported and at home.

The Hechinger Report / September 04, 2023

Getting the Message—to Study Economics

First-gen students are underrepresented in economics; messaging students about why they should major in the field closes this gap.

Inside Higher Ed / September 01, 2023

Eleven States Join College Completion Accelerator

Complete College America will work with 80+ colleges across 11 states to eliminate barriers to student success and higher education attainment

Globe Newswire / August 29, 2023

Unlocking the potential of first-generation college students

Dr. Timeka Rashid, Baldwin Wallace University’s vice president for student affairs has launched initiatives in four key strategic areas: parent and family programming, first-generation support, sophomore engagement and student wellness.

Cleveland.com / August 27, 2023

What former first-gen students wish they knew about college

We asked readers to share their experiences and provide advice to future first-gen students. Here's what they said.

De Los / August 23, 2023

Center Newsletter 8.22.23

Elevate Potential Through Expert Guidance; Shape the Premier First-gen Student Success Conference; Publish Your Innovative #FirstgenScholarship; Develop Your Action Plan for Promoting First-gen Student Success; Earn National Recognition for your First-gen Efforts

FirstGen Forward / August 22, 2023

Female mentor with female student at laptop

How empowering first-gen students with success coaches builds equity

Success coaching offers students a point of contact who can connect them with resources that might otherwise be out of reach.

University Business / August 17, 2023

WKU President Caboni highlights record gains in retaining students

A key strategy in moving the University’s retention needle is its work with First Generation Students.

WKU News / August 14, 2023

Dream Designer

Ohio Wesleyan Graduate Shirley Paden-Bernstein Makes $1 Million Gift to Benefit First-Generation Students

Ohio Wesleyan University / August 14, 2023