FirstGen Forward Network
A National Model
The FirstGen Forward Network (the "Network"), is a journey for higher education institutions serving as the backbone for this national scaling model, bringing together higher education leaders from around the country to share data, model innovations, and scale impact to first-generation student support.
Network Journey
We invite you to explore the three phases that make up the FirstGen Forward journey for an institution upon joining the Network. New institutions will begin in the Network Member phase before progressing through the journey to become a Network Champion!
Network Member
Institutions apply for entry into the FirstGen Forward Network. Once accepted, your institution will begin in the Network Member phase.
Network Leader
Network Leader is the second phase of the FirstGen Forward Network. Formerly known as the First Scholars phase, this opportunity serves as a customized approach to intentional institutional transformation.
Network Champion
Institutions receive the designation of Network Champion for advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base on evidence-based practice, leadership engagement, and scaling support.
Network Benefits
Today’s higher education landscape seeks intentional change to dismantle systemic barriers limiting students’ ability to succeed and thrive. With 54% of currently enrolled undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, institutional leaders are increasingly prioritizing first-generation success, recognizing it as critical to their overall success. Progression through the Network also positions institutions to build-out retention resources to protect return on investment.
Visibility
listing on FirstGen Forward’s website and at select NASPA conferences;
deeper engagement in the 16,000+ member NASPA network;
connection with FirstGen Forward’s talented team of experts to support your work;
Engagement
engage with peer institutions across the country willing to offer support, share resources and evidence-based practices, and celebrate program successes;
engage in professional development that strengthens the campus knowledge base; set goals and measure progress through the annual report process;
set goals and measure progress through the annual report process;
craft an institutional feature blog for FirstGen Forward’s website;
Insights
receive first-look access to new FirstGen Forward reports to advance knowledge on first-generation student success;
access to the Network Learning Hub(s); an online community of practice and resource sharing; and
access to professional development e-learning modules to advance institutional efforts.
Network Eligibility
Eligibility to Join the Network and Remain Engaged:
1. Be an active, accredited, two-year or four-year institution of higher education located within the United States;
2. Secure cabinet-level leadership support and commitment to participation; and
3. Designate an institution Leadership Team
Each phase of the Network has unique eligibility and programmatic requirements that are detailed in those sections.
Network of Institutions
The Network currently serves 429 institutions spanning 49 states and the District of Columbia. Our institutions are represented by dedicated professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, address challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students. The future is first-gen, and we look forward to adding you our growing Network!
History
For over a decade, The Suder Foundation generously provided scholarship funds to support the holistic success of first-generation college students at select institutions. Along with those scholarship funds, students also participated in a program known as First Scholars, a comprehensive, cohort-based model designed to provide holistic student support services across their academic careers and to prepare them for success post-completion. After partnering with NASPA in 2017 to form the Center for First-generation Student Success, the Suder’s transformational vision has continued to evolve. Now known as the FirstGen Forward Network, this is our premier initiative and the first of its kind specific to the first-generation student population.
Today, FirstGen Forward aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.
Join the Network
We invite you to join the FirstGen Forward Network in 2025! To join the network, institutions must apply and be accepted. Please review the requirements for a Network Member and complete the Interest Form below. After submitting the Interest Form, you'll receive communication about the next steps toward joining the FirstGen Forward Network!
Our Founders
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