West Virginia awards grants to colleges and universities to support first-generation student success

CHARLESTON, WV - The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants to public colleges and universities across the state. These grants, which provide funding up to $5,000, support initiatives aimed at recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of first-generation college students.

First-generation students - the first in their families to pursue higher education - face unique challenges in completing their degrees. But according to FirstGen Forward, those who complete their college education are more likely to secure employment, earn higher wages, and become more civically engaged than their peers who do not. By making higher education more accessible and supporting the completion of their postsecondary goals, these grants aim to help students and the state reach a stronger future.

"Our goal is to ensure that West Virginia's first-generation college students not only have access to public higher education, but also receive the support they need to succeed," said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia's Chancellor of Higher Education. "These grants will help our institutions develop meaningful strategies to help students thrive throughout their academic journeys - from application to graduation and beyond."

The following public institutions have been awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants this year:

• Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
• BridgeValley Community and Technical College
• Concord University
• Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
• Fairmont State University
• Mountwest Community and Technical College
• Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
• Pierpont Community and Technical College
• West Liberty University
• West Virginia Northern Community College
• WVU Potomac State College

These institutions are implementing programs and initiatives specifically designed to support first-generation students, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in their educational pursuits.

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