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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 (3)
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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:

Participants will be able to:

  • 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

3:00pm—5:00pm:

Check-in (Participants should plan to arrive on-site by 5 pm Central, if possible)

5:00pm—6:30pm:

Welcome Social

Thursday, June 11

9:00am—9:15am:

Welcome & Purpose

9:15am—9:35am:

The Texas First-Gen Landscape

 9:40am—10:10am:

Leadership Voices: Why We Chose to Engage

10:10am—10:20am:

Break

10:20am—11:00am:

What Participation Looks Like With FirstGen Forward

11:00am—11:35am:

Institutional Fit Conversations

11:35am—12:00pm:

Pathways to Participation & Closing Commitments

NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education

June 11-13, 2026

Contact us!

Thank you for your time and commitment to first-generation student success. Please contact Network@firstgenforward.org should you have any questions.