FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced Northern Illinois University as one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-25.
To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member, NIU displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
Going off to college can be challenging for all students, but it takes extra courage and determination to be a first-generation student. More than half of undergraduate students at NIU are the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college.
NIU offers resources to help first-generation students succeed while on campus and after graduation. Throughout their time at NIU, students are connected to a community of peers, as well as faculty and staff who support and encourage them. First-generation students also are encouraged to join NIU’s Breaking Barriers support group.
“We are honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” NIU executive vice president and provost Laurie Elish-Piper said. “NIU has a large population of first-generation students, and we are here to support their success every step of the way.”
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling 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.
Check out the full story in NIU Today.
