FirstGen Forward

Now Available: FirstGen Forward President Dr. Bannister appeared on the Gardner Institute podcast, "Office Hours with John Gardner" to talk about the first-gen experience, the latest research, and the opportunities ahead for our Network and our community. ow.ly/tQZy50YUBoi

The #CelebrateFirstGen grants help institutions expand or start First-Gen College Celebration events, and we need members of our community to help us review 10-15 applications each. Applications are due July 24. Learn more and apply now: bit.ly/fgcc26-reviewer

Special recognition and appreciation to Dr. Rashné Jehangir, outgoing Co-Editor, as she becomes Founding Editor Emeritus. In this role, she will partner with the editorial leadership team and the board to advance the Journal of First-Generation Student Success strategic vision.

When they committed to supporting their first-gen students, @HussonU was starting from scratch. First, they created some tangible symbols: lapel pins, t-shirts, and stoles. Next, they launched events. Read more: LINK bit.ly/nmblog-husson

Thanks to Taylor & Francis, we are offering FREE access to an article from the Journal of First-Generation Student Success each month. Our May article is a study of first-gen students' mental wellness challenges, including college burnout. Access it now: bit.ly/FgSSaturday.

It's not too late to participate in National TRIO Week of Action. The Council for Opportunity in Education is calling on students, alumni, educators, and supporters to take immediate action. Here’s how to participate: ow.ly/nqQA50YQNeP

June 30th is the new deadline for applications to join the FirstGen Forward Network Member Class of 2026. Institutions interested in strengthening their commitment to first-generation student success are invited to learn more via our interest form: bit.ly/fgfnetworkhttp…

It's time to start planning your First-Gen College Celebration events! We've got 101 ideas for your 2026 celebration, as well as a grant application to help you make your celebration even better. Learn more and apply by 7/24: bit.ly/fgf-fgcc

For Community College Month, we are proud to spotlight Network Leader Pellissippi State CC. Two first‑gen alumni who started at PSCC now serve as Student Success Coaches after continuing their education. Their journeys reflect the power of community college pathways. #CCMonth

FirstGen Forward President Stephanie J. Bannister is honored to speak at the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) 2026 National Leadership Summit. In a panel about leadership, she will discuss how first-gen students navigate leadership with no clear blueprint.

Today is National Superhero Day, and first‑generation students know what it means to rise to the challenge. Resilience, determination, and the courage to build new pathways are real superpowers. We are proud to celebrate your first-gen superpower! bit.ly/fgf-fgcc

From April 27 through May 1, organizations across the country are mobilizing for the National TRIO Week of Action—a coordinated effort to protect the Federal TRIO Programs and the students they serve. Here’s how to participate: ow.ly/nblZ50YQNeN

The FGF Network Member Annual Report is now open. This is your opportunity to share updates on first‑gen progress, confirm engagement, and set goals for the year ahead. Due by Aug. 31, 2026. Primary contacts can find the link to their annual report in the email sent today.

FGF President Stephanie Bannister is set to appear on the Gardner Institute podcast, "Office Hours with John Gardner" to talk about the first-gen experience, the latest research, and the opportunities ahead for our Network and our community. Coming soon: ow.ly/XkxW50YNXAB

For nine years, @RowanUniversity has hosted a First-Generation Symposium. This year's event featured six presentation tracks, including "Innovative Pathways" and "Health, Identity, and Belonging." Learn more about their intentional approach: bit.ly/nmblog-rowan

With a goal of sparking meaningful dialogue between students and alumni, @FisherNews created Alumni World Cafe, a roundtable event during St. John Fisher University's First-Generation week. Learn more: bit.ly/nmblog-stjohnf…

Red ink all over your final paper? The latest issue of the Journal of First‑Generation Student Success is out now. Vol. 6, Issue 1 features an article about how first-gen students experience instructor feedback. Read more: bit.ly/JournalFirstGe…

For @MoreheadState students, First-Gen College Celebration was an opportunity to learn about internships, budgeting, and careers. For high school students, it was a chance to visit a college campus and plan their next steps. Learn more: bit.ly/fgcc-morehead

@sonomastateuniversity First‑Gen College Celebration honored the leadership, resilience, and strengths of first‑gen students across campus. From wellness to career readiness and creative expression, the week affirmed belonging and possibility. Read more: bit.ly/fgcc-sonoma

During their First-Gen College Celebration, @CCAurora not only celebrated the participation and persistence of their first-gen students, they also rewarded it. Four students who participated in several workshops or events received $500 each. Read more: bit.ly/fgcc-ccaurora