FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced the University of Minnesota Crookston as one of only 18 institutions of higher education selected to its newest class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. Network Champion institutions are an exclusive group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement, and scaling student support.
At U of M Crookston, over 51% of its students are first generation - the first to attend college in their family.
“We are extremely honored to be selected as a Network Champion in the FirstGen Forward Network,” said U of M Crookston Director of Student Success and Academic Advising Jacob Isaacs, Ph.D. “The Crookston campus is often seen as a home where first-generation college students can thrive and find an opportunity to advance themselves and their careers. These students are among the first in their families to attend college and often the ones most positively impacted by a successful college experience.”
“It’s wonderful to be recognized by our national partners for our work alongside our students to help them learn, grow and succeed,” he added.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach - Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion - 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. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.
“As one of the institutions in the country to have been recognized as a Network Champion, U of M Crookston has displayed a commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion,” stated Stephanie J. Bannister, Ph.D., vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Not only is U of M Crookston doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education.”
While movement to this phase signals an important progression, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students’ experiences and completion rates.
“Achieving unprecedented FirstGen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce, and life success for the families of graduates,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “To be named a Network Champion is an honor and a testament to the work of U of M Crookston, evidence that it is a national leader in this area, and a role model for the field for years to come.”
To learn more about first-generation efforts at the University of Minnesota Crookston, visit https://crk.umn.edu/student-success-center. To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit firstgenforward.org.
About U of M Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 ranked dorms, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, and a supportive environment, U of M Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at U of M Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The best of both worlds. Learn more and apply at www.umcrookston.edu.
