DURHAM, N.H. —  The University of New Hampshire was named one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network today, having displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

Launched by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, 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. To date, 429 higher education institutions have joined the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are pleased to welcome the University of New Hampshire into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Sarah E. Whitley, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that UNH 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.”

In this first phase of their work with the network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off in June. As a network member, interested faculty and staff can engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dawna M. Pérez, UNH’s executive director of the Institute for Student Success, who spearheaded the application. “Participating in the FirstGen Network provides us with access to a broad range of regional and national peer institutions with whom to learn, share resources, evidence-based practices, and to celebrate program successes. We are focused on creating a university-wide identity of UNH Trailblazers for all of our first-generation college students, coordinating and scaling programming across the university's campuses and involving our first-gen students, alumni, faculty staff and administrators in designing those efforts."

After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, First-Gen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive: an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; and guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirsGen Forward Network Champion.

“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for UNH 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,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know UNH will be a significant contributor.”

About UNH
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from 50 states and 87 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIH, and received over $210 million in competitive external funding in FY23 to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.

About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students. FirstGen Forward aims to acknowledge the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. It offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences, and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.