Wittenberg Selected to Join FirstGen Forward Network

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced Wittenberg University as one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-25 academic year. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member, the University must display a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

"We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network," said Wittenberg University President Michael L. Frandsen, Ph.D. "Through this network, we know that we will be able to make a powerful and meaningful difference in the lives of our First-Gen students, while inspiring our campus to create an even stronger community with inclusion and belonging at its core."

Powered by FirstGen Forward, 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 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

"We are pleased to welcome Wittenberg University into the FirstGen Forward Network," said Sarah E. Whitley, executive vice president with FirstGen Forward. "Through the application process, it was evident that Wittenberg 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 the network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on June 6, 2024. As a network member, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students. Additionally, they will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.

After successful completion of the network member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen 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; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion.

"Achieving FirstGen Forward recognition underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation students," said Drew Sawyer, senior associate director of student success at Wittenberg. "By accepting this honor, it not only validates our efforts but also propels us to further empower these students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive academically and beyond. The impact on our students will be profound, fostering a sense of belonging and providing them with a solid foundation for future success."

"Being named as a network member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for Wittenberg 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 that Wittenberg will be a significant contributor."

Wittenberg hosted events for first-generation students during Welcome Week, Aug. 22-25, including a reception on Aug. 22 and a meetup on Aug. 25. During these times, students learned about the First-Gen program, Tri-Alpha, and received mentor assignments.

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Wittenberg, visit https://www.wittenberg.edu/student-life/first-gen-students. For more on FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit firstgenforward.org.

About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen ForwardTM, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career and life.

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