THRIVE Joins National First-Gen Program to Scale and Sustain its Offerings

"This is a major accomplishment for us," THRIVE director Anthony Parker-Gills said. "The selection process included an extensive application process."

In a press release, FirstGen Forward Executive Vice President Sarah Whitley said that it was clear that "Bowdoin 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."

The FirstGen Forward Network offers data on evidence-based practices, training, and expertise to higher-education institutions "to scale and sustain" the work of serving first-generation students. Currently, 429 institutions are part of the program, which is run through NASPA, a professional organization for student affairs administrators in higher education.

Along with the professional development and networking that THRIVE and other staff will engage in over the coming years, membership in the group signals the College's values, said Benje Douglas, senior vice president for inclusion and diversity. "We have a commitment to enhancing the experience of first-generation college students, and participating in the project is one way that we hope helps us do it even better," he said.

Parker-Gills, who started at Bowdoin a year ago, said from day one he had made it a goal to join the network. "I knew this was an initiative I wanted to apply to and be part of," he said. "Being a first-gen student myself and coming from a low-income background, this work is meaningful to me."