FirstGen Forward Network

September 1, 2024

Powered by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, the FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach 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.

• In the first phase of the Network (the Member Phase), selected institutions are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
• After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more.
• Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion (Phase Three).

The Providence College FirstGen Forward application process was lead by Emily Gonzalez, Associate Director of Student Engagement & Leadership. A campus-wide working group lead by Emily will launch in the Fall of 2024 to begin the implementation of phase 1 programming.

To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgen.naspa.org.