Advocacy & Policy
FirstGen Forward engages policymakers to ensure they center first-gen students in decisions impacting student success and workforce development.
A voice for FirstGen
By mobilizing a national coalition of colleges, corporations, and nonprofit partners, we serve as a force multiplier for student success champions seeking lasting, systemic change that drives first-gen student success and the nation’s economic growth.
First-gen students are the future of America’s workforce—the talent pool from which the United States must draw to remain globally competitive. When we invest in first-gen student success, we invest in the nation’s success.
Our Policy Priorities
Increase awareness of first-gen students’ experiences and economic impact
Strengthen first-gen-focused data infrastructure
Increase college access and success for first-gen students
Hold institutions, corporations, and other stakeholders accountable for first-gen student success
Identify and create federal and state funding opportunities
First-generation College Celebration
First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the first-generation college student identity by advancing an asset-based, national narrative of these students’ experiences and outcomes.
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Our Coalitions & Partners
American Council on Education (ACE)
ACE is consistently at the center of federal policy debates concerning higher education. As a convener of higher education associations and agencies, we enable our community to speak with one voice on issues affecting institutions and students. Our work on behalf of the nation's colleges and universities ensures our members are connected to policymakers and represented as officials make critical decisions on Capitol Hill.
Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies.
Today's Students Coalition (TSC)
The Today’s Students Coalition (TSC) is a diverse group of the nation’s leading policy and advocacy member organizations, affiliates, and student advocates united to push for urgently needed federal policy changes that better serve today’s students. The Coalition is dedicated to forging the future of higher education through bipartisan initiatives focused on the needs of learners who are working adults, parenting students, military-connected, and first-generation students.
Black First-gen Collective
The Black First-gen Collective is committed to supporting, advancing, and disseminating intentional research, practice, and policy that center the unique experiences of Black first-generation undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Our mission is to explore, interrogate, and disaggregate these experiences to inform more equitable support systems in higher education.
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