FirstGen Forward Network Institutions Convene in Texas to Advance First-generation Student Success

FirstGen Forward brought together institutional leaders from its member institutions across the country for learning, networking, and collaboration.

WASHINGTON, DC (July 30, 2026)— More than 470 institutions are part of the FirstGen Forward Network, which is a three-phased approach 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. Institutions start as Network Members, and with the help of Expert Guides from FirstGen Forward, progress to become Network Leaders and finally Network Champions.

In June, FirstGen Forward invited leaders from Network Leader institutions and Network Champion institutions to special convenings of institutions at the same phases, the Leader Academy and Network Champion Convening, part of the broader First-Gen Student Success Conference.

Both the Leader Academy and Network Champion Convening brought together nearly 50 institutions and provided important space for meaningful conversations with colleagues and among peer institutions, leveraging data narratives as a model to demonstrate return on investment and to map the next year of engagements and strategic priorities to advance the success of first-generation students. 

Leaders from the Network Leader and Network Champion institutions found the gathering valuable. One attendee, who is the director for a TRIO program at a Network Champion institution said in their post-event survey: "Attending the FirstGen Forward Network Champion Convening conference was an excellent way for me to learn, grow, and connect with other professionals who serve first-generation students. Every session was valuable and the speakers were excellent. I also had many helpful conversations with colleagues from a variety of institutions. I highly recommend attending this conference to anyone able to do so."

The vast majority (more than 90% of respondents) of those who attended the Network Champion Convening agreed that they shared insights and strategies with Network colleagues on advancing first-gen student success efforts; collaborated with peer institutions to share plans, exchange feedback, and foster partnerships to strengthen initiatives and strategies; and achieved alignment on next steps for moving forward with key initiatives.

“We’re so proud of the work our Network Leader and Network Champion institutions are doing at their institutions and of the work they did in Austin,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “These leaders have repeatedly shown their dedication to advancing not only first-gen student success on their own campuses but also across the country, as they share ideas, support, and practical experience.”

For more on the FirstGen Forward Network, or to learn more about the organization, visit firstgenforward.org.

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ABOUT FIRSTGEN FORWARD

FirstGen Forward is the center for first-generation student success– your premier source for evidence-based approaches, data-informed strategies, professional development, and research. Together, we are building community and belonging through the FirstGen Forward Network, knowledge creation and evidence-based practices, and thought leadership and advocacy, transforming higher education and the student success landscape guided by a first-gen lens.