Forward Together
We are thrilled to announce Forward Together: FirstGen Texas! This convening will be held in Austin, TX on June 11, 2026.
Forward Together:
FirstGen Texas
Forward Together: FirstGen Texas Convening brings together presidents, senior leaders, and institutional teams from Texas higher education institutions for a focused, leadership-centered conversation on advancing first-generation student success. Grounded in the Texas higher education context, this convening positions first-generation student success as a strategic institutional priority—one that requires intentional leadership, coordinated effort, and sustained commitment. Participants will be introduced to FirstGen Forward and explore how a structured, data-informed, and equity-centered approach can strengthen institutional capacity and deepen impact for first-generation students.
Designed as both an informative and reflective experience, the convening creates space for institutional self-assessment, peer dialogue, and leadership-informed decision-making. Senior leaders will hear directly from peers, examine institutional readiness and alignment, and gain clarity on the benefits and expectations of engaging with FirstGen Forward—including coaching, tools, and access to a national peer network. By the conclusion of the convening, participants will be equipped to identify priority opportunities for improving first-generation student success and determine clear next steps, whether that includes applying to FirstGen Forward, scheduling a follow-up consultation, or continuing internal conversations to advance this work on their campus.
Objectives:
Establish Strategic Relevance: Position first-generation student success as a critical institutional priority, grounded in statewide context and institutional realities.
Communicate the Value of Engagement: Articulate the benefits, expectations, and supports associated with participating in FirstGen Forward, to make informed decisions about engagement.
Facilitate Leadership-Informed Decision-Making: Create space for senior leaders to hear directly from peers, ask critical questions, and consider the leadership commitments required for sustained impact.
Move Toward Action - Guide institutions toward clear next steps, scheduling follow-up conversations, or engaging in further internal exploration.
Support Institutional Self-Assessment: Provide structured opportunities for institutions to assess fit, readiness, and capacity for engaging in coordinated first-generation student success work.
Outcomes:
- Explain why first-generation student success is a strategic priority within the Texas higher education landscape.
- Describe what institutions gain from participating in FirstGen Forward
- Determine whether FirstGen Forward aligns with their institution’s mission, goals, and current capacity.
- Identify at least one priority opportunity for improving first-generation student success at their institution.
- Defined next action steps (apply, schedule a consultation, or continue internal discussion).
Schedule
Wednesday, June 10
|
Participants arrive (arrive on-site by 5 pm Central, if possible) Conference & Texas Convening check-in (Location TBA) Welcome Social (Location TBA) |
Thursday, June 11
| 7:30am—12:00pm: Texas Convening (Breakfast included) |
NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education
Contact us!
Thank you for your time and commitment to first-generation student success. Please contact Network@firstgenforward.org should you have any questions.