Why First-Gen?

The term “first-generation” may seem to be the newest buzzword in higher education yet, it has been actively used for decades. However, shifting populations entering higher education, continual increases in first-generation college student enrollment, the debate surrounding rising tuition and costs, and genuine desires for a rise in graduation rates and a better-prepared workforce have positioned the experiences of first-generation college students as a renewed focus across postsecondary education.

Explore the resources below and throughout the site to better understand the first-generation student experience, engage with research and data, identify support strategies, and explore why advancing first-generation student success is a desirable outcome.