University Of Colorado, Denver: CU Denver Named To The 2021-22 First-Gen Forward Cohort

Press release from the University of Colorado, Denver :

Alex DeWind

April 20, 2021

In recognition of its efforts and dedication to first-generation students, CU Denver has been named to the 2021-22 First-Gen Forward cohort, the nation’s first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The cohort is a joint initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Suder Foundation. 

With the support of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Community Samuel Kim, Sonia Valencia, director of TRIO Programs, and Jessica Luna, senior program coordinator of the McNair Scholars Program, applied for the cohort in December 2020 to improve and increase the support services available to first-generation students at CU Denver. This designation recognizes the efforts of campus programs such as TRIO Student Support Services and McNair Scholars, which both serve first-generation students, and the volunteer work of the First-Gen Staff and Faculty Committee, which organize the annual First-Gen Welcome Banquet and First-Gen Week. 

Kim explained, “This is a great opportunity for CU Denver to collaborate on a national level with other institutions committed to developing strategies that will improve the experiences and outcomes of students who are the first in their families to pursue a college education.” 

Luna, a first-generation college student, added, “The Lynx community is strongly dedicated to supporting first-generation students and committed to their development and success. It is an honor to earn this recognition and I am excited to see what transpires for our students through participation in the cohort.”

NASPA’s commitment to student success was the driving force behind the establishment of the Center for First-Generation Student Success in June 2017. In continuing with the center’s mission as the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students, NASPA launched First-Gen Forward. 

As a First-gen Forward Institution, CU Denver joins a devoted 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, according to NASPA. 

CU Denver will also:

This press release was produced by the University of Colorado, Denver. The views expressed here are the author’s own.