March 11, 2025

FirstGen Forward announces new class of
Network Champion institutions

Eighteen new institutions selected as FirstGen Forward Network Champions;
recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, today announced the selection of eighteen (18) institutions of higher education in its newest class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. Network Champion institutions are an inspiring group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement, and scaling student supports. 

“With the addition of these eighteen colleges and universities, we’ve now recognized thirty-two  higher education institutions as Network Champions in the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Not only are these institutions doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education.”

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Network Champion is the third phase in this approach, signaling institutions have invested the time and commitment to actively adopting the continuous improvement model and have aligned their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion. While movement to this phase signals an important progression, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students’ experiences and completion rates.

“With 54% of current undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, achieving unprecedented FirstGen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce, and life success for the families of graduates,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “To be named a Network Champion is an honor and a testament to the work of these institutions, evidence that they are national leaders in this area, and they’ll serve as role models for the field for years to come.” 

FirstGen Forward recognized the following institutions as Network Champions in 2025-26 (institutions listed alphabetically):

To see a full list of Network Champion institutions or to learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit firstgenforward.org.

CONTACT:
Senior Director of External Relations & Policy
media@firstgenforward.org