Georgia Tech has officially maintained the First-gen Forward phase of the First Scholars Network, an initiative of NASPA. This achievement comes on the heels of the institution's successful completion of the Network Member year, marking a commitment to the support and empowerment of first-generation college students.
The First Scholars Network initiative recognizes institutions dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation college students. These students, often the first in their families to pursue higher education, face unique challenges, and Georgia Tech's involvement in the program reflects a commitment to address these challenges head-on.
To maintain their status, Georgia Tech will diligently work to fulfill annual programmatic requirements. These requirements serve as a roadmap for the institution's continued dedication to first-generation student success. The annual requirements for First-gen Forward are comprehensive and designed to ensure ongoing commitment and progress. Requirements include:
- Maintaining Active NASPA Institutional Membership
- Engaging a Leadership Team
- Setting Institutional Goals
- Professional Development
- First-generation College Celebration Event
- First Scholars Phase Interest Meeting
- Submission of the Readiness and Progress Audit
Moving forward, Georgia Tech can either maintain this status or progress further to the First Scholars phase of the network in AY24-25. This decision will be influenced by the institution's commitment to its first-generation student community and its dedication to providing a transformative college experience.
Georgia Tech's transition to the First-gen Forward phase is not just a symbolic gesture; it represents a tangible commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their background. By fulfilling the annual programmatic requirements and actively engaging with the First Scholars Network, Georgia Tech is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational journey of its first-generation students, setting an example for institutions across the nation.
Center for First-Generation Student Success
The Center is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career and life. It provides 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.
About NASPA
NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs and is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of its institutional members – a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education.