CONCORD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

CONTACT: Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager
Concord University Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312
[email protected]
www.concord.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2024

CONCORD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

ATHENS, WV - The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded Concord University $5,000 in support of the First-Generation Committee's initiatives to empower, celebrate and foster the success of first-generation students.

First-generation students are the first in their families to obtain a four-year degree, and they often face challenges that others may not experience. The majority of first-generation students come from families or households that don't have the experience of navigating a college environment, have never dealt with a FAFSA application, or had to juggle classes, job and family responsibilities.

The funds will be utilized for implementation of campus-based initiatives, events and a first-generation honor society to address the unique needs of first-generation college students, foster a supportive environment, and promote positive outcomes. The funds will also be used to support the retention of first-generation students and enhance research, evaluation, and data collection strategies to improve institutional first-generation initiatives.

One of the First-Generation Committee initiatives for 2024/2025 includes the upcoming First-Generation week currently being planned on campus from November 4-8, in honor of the National First-Generation College Celebration Day.

Some of the activities will include pop-up help booths, first-generation authors week at the Marsh Library and a personalized rock painting session. The celebration week will end with the film screening of WV First-Generation: Then and Now, a CU documentary produced on campus.

For more information on first-generation student programs, contact Cristina Reagan at 304-384-6216, email [email protected] or the committee at [email protected]

Media inquiries, please contact Nicole Smith at 304-384-6312 or [email protected].

-CU-

Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus. Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.

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