Georgetown University has been designated as a First Forward institution for its work supporting the success of first-generation students. The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, presented the honor earlier this month at its inaugural First-generation Student Success Conference in Orlando. As a member of the 2019-20 First Forward Cohort, Georgetown will receive opportunities for professional development, community-building experiences, and early access to the center’s resources.
Founded in 2004, the Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) has served more than 1,600 Georgetown University first-generation and low-income undergraduate students, providing mentorship opportunities, community-building, and financial assistance as students navigate higher education. Students participating in GSP have a 96.4 percent graduation rate, compared with a national average of 11 percent for a similar demographic.
“First Forward is an exciting opportunity for Georgetown University to join an elite 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 Kevin Kruger, president of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First Forward cohort and know Georgetown University will be a significant contributor.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized by NASPA for our efforts to support first-generation and low-income students,” said Corey Stewart, GSP’s director of outreach and engagement. “Moving forward, we will continue our student-centered, whole-institution approach to equity at Georgetown.”
To learn more, please visit gsp.georgetown.edu.