PDP Resources

FirstGen Forward is a proud PDP partner.

History of FirstGen Forward and the Postsecondary Data Partnership

FirstGen Forward was established as a national initiative to scale 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. Recognizing the critical role of data in driving transformational change, the Gates Foundation generously provided funding to support a partnership between FirstGen Forward and the Postsecondary Data Partnership (PDP), equipping institutions with the tools and knowledge to access high-quality, actionable data.

Through this partnership, FirstGen Forward Network institutions receive the tools and support needed to move from data collection to data-informed action. Institutions have been enabled to: 

  • Disaggregate data by first-generation status and other demographics;
  • Leverage dashboards for data-informed decision making;
  • Set measurable goals aligned with strategic priorities; and
  • Share best practices across the Network to harness collective impact.

Network Journey

We invite you to explore the three phases that make up the FirstGen Forward journey for an institution upon joining the Network. New institutions will begin in the Network Member phase before progressing through the journey to become a Network Champion!

Why Celebrate on November 8

FGCC is celebrated annually on November 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities. Many of the HEA’s programs, particularly the Federal TRIO programs, promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for today’s limited-income, first-generation college students.

FGCC strives not only to celebrate first-gen students’ contributions to their communities but also to occasion systemic social change by dismantling barriers to first-generation student success. Through this intentional advocacy focus, FGCC engages key constituencies in building upon the work left unfinished by the HEA.

Click here to learn more about the HEA, the creation of Federal TRIO programs, and the history of the First-Generation College Celebration.

Plan Your Celebration

This year, we encourage you to celebrate the first-generation college student and graduate community in every way possible! From inviting speakers to hosting professional development events, the possibilities for celebration are endless.

Many single-day events have spawned month-long celebrations. Below, you'll find everything you need to begin planning your 2024 events.

Step-by-Step Planning Guide
101 Ways to Celebrate Blog
Design & Collateral Toolkit

Tag @COEtalk and @FirstGenForward and use the #CelebrateFirstGen when sharing your plans on social media!

Grant Opportunity

Each year, we’re pleased to award grants to NASPA- and COE-member institutions to aid them in reaching more first-generation college students or graduates; engaging more stakeholders; launching new first-gen-specific events or initiatives; and/or providing additional services around FGCC.

TRIO Program Resources

COE has created two resources to support TRIO fund recipients' First-Generation College Celebration participation. The first details relevant regulations and allowable cost categories, while the second shares tips for recognizing TRIO's 60th anniversary during your #CelebrateFirstGen events.

National Events

FGF and COE have co-hosted several national events highlighting different facets of the first-gen journey. In 2023, our event centered first-gen college students' career trajectories by featuring a panel of first-gen graduates who hold senior roles in some of the world's most recognizable companies.

Our Founders

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Data for Action

Transforming Insights into Institutional Impact 

At FirstGen Forward, we believe data should do more than inform—it should inspire action. Institutions across our Network use data to uncover barriers, design targeted interventions, and measure progress toward equitable outcomes for first-generation students. Whether analyzing first-year enrollment trends or course performance for first-generation students, data empowers campus teams to make strategic decisions that drive student success. Through tools like Momentum Metrics and Analysis Ready Files, and learning opportunities, such as our workshops and data summits, institutions can move from insight to implementation, creating a culture for continuous improvement. When data is used intentionally, it becomes a powerful lever for change. 

Use of Data within the Network

Review the journey Network institutions navigate detailing the use of data and steps toward making data-informed decisions.
Network Core Components
Network Diagnostics
Continuous Improvement Approach
Data Analytics
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Expert Guidance
Evidence-Based Solutions
Leadership & Peer Neworking

Resources

Tools and Support for your Data Journey
FirstGen Forward offers a suite of resources and tools to help institutions maximize the power of their data. Whether you’re looking to build technical proficiency or scale successful initiatives, our resources are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward.

PDP Onboarding

Momentum Metrics

Information Sheets

Upcoming Events

Virtual Intermediaries Convening

Mark your calendar for February 12, 2025.

 

Virtual Intermediaries Convening to create space for PDP partners to understand what FirstGen Forward is doing to support first-generation student success through data-informed strategies.
This convening will also highlight how intermediary organizations are using PDP to showcase the value of data, improve student outcomes, and foster collaboration within institutions

Leveraging data for action and the strategic advancement of first-generation student success.