FirstGen Forward announces new class of Network Champion institutions

Nine new institutions selected as FirstGen Forward Network Champions; recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success

WASHINGTON, DC (April 14, 2026) - FirstGen Forward, today announced the selection of nine (9) institutions of higher education in its newest class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. Network Champion institutions are an exclusive group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement, and scaling student supports.

“With the addition of these ten colleges and universities, the FirstGen Forward Network now recognizes 41 institutions as Network Champions,” said Dr. Martina A. Martin, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “These campuses are demonstrating what is possible when institutions make a bold and intentional commitment to first-generation student success. Their leadership is not only transforming opportunities for students on their own campuses, but also helping to elevate proven practices that are advancing the field nationwide.”

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to 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. The current Network includes 470 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 47 states and the District of Columbia.

Network Champion is the third phase in this approach, signaling institutions have invested the time and commitment to actively adopting the continuous improvement model and have aligned their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion. While moving to this phase is an important progression, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students’ experiences and completion rates.

“With 54% of current undergraduates identifying as first-generation, advancing first-generation student success has a life‑changing, multigenerational economic impact,” said Stephanie Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward. “Across the FirstGen Forward Network, we’re seeing that real transformation comes from intentional institutional systems—not isolated programs—that support first-generation students from enrollment through completion. Network Leader institutions are now achieving a 58% four-year graduation rate, the strongest results in five years and more than double the national average. Institutions like this class of Network Champions are showing what’s possible and setting a national standard for first-generation student success.”

FirstGen Forward recognized the following institutions as Network Champions in 2025-26 (institutions listed alphabetically):

• Creighton University
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Purdue University Northwest
• Richard Bland College
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• The University of Texas Permian Basin
• University of Missouri-Kansas City
• University of South Carolina
• Washington State University

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