March 1, 2022 – The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, recently announced the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center’s research and resources.
Santa Fe College has held a number of in-person and virtual events geared toward first-generation college students and has offered expanded serves designed to help first-generation students succeed.
“As a first-generation student myself, I am very proud of the work our faculty and staff have put in to making Santa Fe College a First-gen Forward institution,” Dr. Naima Brown, Vice President for Student Affairs at SF. “To be able to show first-generation students the opportunities available to them at Santa Fe, and to offer these students the support they need is vital to helping create social and economic mobility.”
“The Center is pleased to welcome Santa Fe College into the 2022-23 First-gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that Santa Fe College is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success.
As a First-gen Forward Institution, interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early-June and will participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.
“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for Santa Fe College to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country. We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know Santa Fe College will be a significant contributor,” offered Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA.
To learn more about first-generation efforts at SF, visit sfcollege.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/first-gen. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.