Support FirstGen Forward

Support FirstGen Forward

We’re looking for partners who understand the long-term economic and social potential that first-gen students bring and want to ensure that first-gen students are in the best possible position to succeed.

AdobeStock_629724300-1

Our Work

One in every two undergraduates—54%—identify as a first-generation college student. That's more than 8.2 million students.

We're building a multi-sector coalition of partners—from higher education, business, policy, media, and more—who understand the long-term economic and social potential that first-gen students bring. Those who want to ensure to ensure that first-gen students are in the best possible position to succeed.

You can help. Join us in our mission to eliminate the completion gap and broaden post-college opportunities for first-generation students.

Our Opportunity

We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students while engaging a broad coalition of advocates and allies across the public and private sectors to ensure support for this critical population. Transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. Our cause matters to students, families, multiple generations, higher education, and our country.

Our Funding Partners

The-Suder-Foundation
Dell Foundation
Ascendium
ECMC-Foundation
Gates Foundation
Moody-Foundation
TLL Temple Foundation
Meadows-Foundation
Abell-Hanger-Foundation
Strada Foundation
Powell Foundation
ICHIGO-Foundation
TIAA
Crimsonbridge Foundation
Scheidel-Foundation
Yardi-FOundation

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 demographics illustrate the intersectional identities of the first-generation student:

50%

Over 50% of first-generation students are students of color;

62%

62% of students who are veterans are first-generation students;

65%

65% of students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are first-generation; and

67%

67% of students attending Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs) are first-generation;

60%

60% of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are first-generation.

Our Leadership

Learn about our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, Forward Thinkers, and our dedicated FirstGen Forward staff.

AdobeStock_330099838 (1) 2
Reverse this row's columns on mobile (this blue box only appears in the HubSpot editor)

Partner With Us

Ready to join the work and affirm your commitment to first-generation student success?  Contact Sam Goessling, Senior Vice President of Growth and Strategic Partnerships sgoessling@firstgenforward.org.