2026 NASPA Annual Conference

Through Network Membership connections, institutions have:

• Developed first-gen focused peer and faculty mentoring opportunities, with incorporation into summer bridge and/or seminar opportunities;
• Provided students access to unique social and cultural experiences - including one institution that developed a new martial arts course for first-year, first-gen students as a freshman seminar;
• Expanded graduate and professional school support for first-gen students both for those attending their institution and for UG students seeking opportunities;
• Built cross-campus networks to support first-gen students, particularly in response to mental health needs and the growing cost of higher education;
• Collaborated across institutions for conference presentations;
• Centered the first-gen identity through visibility campaigns and toolkits for students, faculty, and staff to know they may be first, but are not alone;
• Hosted hundreds of first-gen celebration events nationwide, with celebration numbers continuing to grow each year; and
• Led regional community drive-in events, virtual conferences, and professional development.

Network Members gain exclusive access too:

• An online community through Basecamp learning hubs to connect with other institutions across the country; and
• A series of knowledge-building and professional development e-modules will be open to any Network institution for engagement as desired and at no cost.