Published:
The Center for First-generation Student Success named Central to its 2022-23 cohort of First-Gen Forward institutions. The designation recognizes institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. More than 40 percent of Central’s enrolled undergraduates are first-generation students.
Through an application process, the Center evaluated Central’s programs and services tailored for first-generation students, including First-Year Connected; the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); and the university’s four TRiO programs.
First-Year Connected (FYC) pairs volunteer, non-academic coaches with first-year, exploratory, and first-generation students. Coaches offer personalized support to students and help them get acclimated to campus and the rigors of college life. The Office of the President launched FYC as a pilot program in 2019. Since its inception, participation in the program among students and coaches has doubled.
“We are very encouraged by the early successes of First-Year Connected,” says Central President Zulma R. Toro. “Not only do students in the program perform better academically than their peers, they also become more motivated to stay after their first year and complete their degree program.”
For more than 50 years, EOP has served first-generation, historically low-income, underrepresented, and disadvantaged students who have the potential to succeed at the university level but require initial academic support. EOP students must complete a five-week summer academic and residential program to become full-time matriculated students during the fall semester.
Central offers four TRiO programs designed to motivate, retain, and support high school and college students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Programs for college-level students include Student Support Services and Student Support Services Teacher Preparation.
As a First-Gen Forward Institution, Central’s faculty and staff will have several opportunities to work with peer institutions that are working to improve the outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions also will send representatives to the First-gen Forward Workshop slated for early June and participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory Leadership designation.
“Every graduating class at Central represents hundreds of first-generation students. It is so gratifying to help them transition from uncertain young men and women to confident adults and scholars,” President Toro says. “I am pleased to join this cohort of like-minded educators who recognize the talent and potential of these students.”
The Center for First-generation Student Success is an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Suder Foundation based in Washington, D.C.