Empowering First Gen College Students

Supporting First-Gen Students Beyond Academics

Data-Informed Decision Making in Higher Education

Engaging With FirstGen Forward Network

Connecting With First-Gen College Professionals

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2211036/open_sms">Send us a text</a>What drives a first-generation college student to not only enroll but thrive? Join us on First Gen FM as we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Dr. Martina Martin, Catherine Johnson, Ashlee Kocina Young, Wendy Beesley, and Dr. Jennifer Sutton from First Gen Forward. Guests share their personal journey of either discovering her own first-gen identity, and the beliefs that fuel their unwavering commitment to supporting this student population. Dive into the world of FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-Generation Student Success), a nonprofit entity now leading the charge in providing critical resources and strategic programs to institutions. We explore how measuring belonging and preparing students holistically for life after graduation can dramatically improve retention and completion rates. Our conversation unveils the transformative power of data-informed decision-making, emphasizing how it can dismantle barriers and reveal hidden supports crucial for first-gen success. Discover the importance of simplifying processes like FAFSA and using asset-based language to create a more inclusive educational environment. You'll find yourself in a vibrant community of the First Gen Forward Network as you listen, and learn about the community where over 400 institutions collaborate to empower first-gen students. Hear firsthand accounts of the invaluable learning and connections formed within this diverse network, and learn how you can get involved, even if your institution isn't yet on board. Opportunities abound at upcoming NASPA conferences in March and the Student Success in Higher Education conferene in June. As your host, I'm eager to hear from you. Connect with me at Jen@firstgenfm.com to share your stories and insights, and let's continue this journey together, fostering a platform for dialogue and innovation in first-generation student support. FirstGen ForwardEstablished in 2017 as the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, the organization has grown and become a collaborative effort across the entire higher education system, working directly with hundreds of institutions that serve millions of first-generation students. In August, 2024, the organization became an independent non-profit under the name FirstGen Forward.Website: <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffirstgen.naspa.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C4ce9d43a6da3464e104108dd3bceb977%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638732481518522328%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6vs9%2BrBQCAwxeY3t79BVHuSUhlQ%2FPBRVG0E4wBqyC8Y%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://firstgen.naspa.org</a>LinkedIn: <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Ffirstgenforward%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cj.schoen%40northeastern.edu%7C4ce9d43a6da3464e104108dd3bceb977%7Ca8eec281aaa34daeac9b9a398b9215e7%7C0%7C0%7C638732481518543445%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Hy3JAXG1kBOv3mu0oUCgfBIH5dG9u9V%2Fi261BlMCydo%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstgenforward/</a>Email: <a href="mailto:network@firstgenforward.org">network@firstgenforward.org</a> Podcast guestsPlease help others find this podcast by rating and reviewing wherever you listen! You can find me at <a href="https://www.firstgenfm.com/">https://www.firstgenfm.com/</a> and on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenschoen/">LinkedIn</a>. My email is jen@firstgenfm.com.

Send us a text What drives a first-generation college student to not only enroll but thrive? Join us on First Gen FM as we shine a spotlight on the inspiring stories of Dr. Martina Martin, Catherine Johnson, Ashlee Kocina Young, Wendy Beesley, and Dr. Jennifer Sutton from First Gen Forward. Guests share their personal journey of either discovering her own first-gen identity, and the beliefs that fuel their unwavering commitment to supporting this student population.   Dive into the world of F...

Creating a Community for First-Gen Student Success: Insights from FirstGen Forward Leaders