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The Future is FirstGen

We are dramatically changing the success landscape for first-generation students and graduates.

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Why First-gen?

First-generation students represent more than half of all undergraduates in the U.S. Yet, first-generation students are graduating far less than their peers.

This is our opportunity; our clarion call. We’re working with hundreds of higher education institutions, practitioners and scholars, foundations, businesses, members of the media, and others committed to first-generation student success to close this completion gap.

Accomplishing our goal benefits:

First-gen Students

College graduates are 88% more likely to be employed; earn higher wages, and twice as likely to be civically engaged

Higher Ed Institutions

First-gen students are applying to college at twice the rate of continuing-generation students. And developing supports for first-gen students will benefit everyone.

Our Country & Economy

Closing the completion gap will result in 4.4 million more graduates and a net benefit of $700 billion to the U.S. economy.

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FirstGen Forward Network

The FirstGen Forward Network comprises over 470 institutions, harnessing the potential of first-generation students and improving success outcomes.

Is your institution ready to move FirstGen Forward?

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FirstGen Statistics

Dedicated first-generation research allows for evidence-based decision-making that is critical to student success.

24 %

First-generation students graduate at a rate of 24% versus 59% for continuing-generation students.

54 %

There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S.

72 %

By 2031, 72% of jobs in the U.S. will require postsecondary education or training.

The Latest

Foundations Invest in FirstGen Forward’s Mission and Expansion
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Foundations Invest in FirstGen Forward’s Mission and Expansion

Two major private foundations have awarded grants to FirstGen Forward to expand its Network and its reach, focused on HBCUs and MSIs.

Latest Issue Now Available!

The Journal of First-generation Student Success, Vol. 6, Issue 2

Read the latest articles! While access to #JFGSS is a NASPA member benefit, you don't need to be a member to read the latest #FirstGenScholarship.

FirstGen Forward welcomes 39 new institutions to national FirstGen Forward Network

New Network Member institutions demonstrate strong commitment to advancing first-generation student success

Network Champions 2026
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Network Champions 2026

New institutions selected as FirstGen Forward Network Champions; recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success in 2026.

 

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FirstGen Forward Convening Texas Higher Ed Leaders for Conversation on Advancing First-generation Student Success

This half-day convening will gather institutional leaders and help them assess their institution’s readiness to transform through a first-generation student lens.

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New Release: Impact Report 2026

FirstGen Forward releases its first Impact Report, highlighting accomplishments and outcomes through three strategic priorities.

Take Action

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