Penn State has been recognized as a First-Gen Forward (FGF) institution by NASPA’s Center for First-Generation Student Success. This designation means that Penn State has joined a cohort of 53 institutions within a larger community of 268 colleges and universities committed to sharing evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshooting challenges, and generating knowledge to advance the success of first-generation students.

While the Student Success Center in Undergraduate Education is leading this effort, the FGF designation is University-wide and represents the Institution's collective efforts to support first-generation students enrolled across the Commonwealth and World Campus. As part of our land grant mission, Penn State has always been a champion for first-generation student success. To this end, there are dozens of existing programs and services that serve first-generation students and their intersecting identities.

Our FGF designation is a new opportunity for Penn State to band together to address challenges, identify support gaps, and bolster support for first-gen student success. As such, the Student Success Center has created the First Gen Forward Advisory Council which is comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, and students from across the University. The council meets monthly and contributes to university-wide efforts to support first-gen students, enhance student advocacy, share best practices, and promote professional development opportunities. For information on the FGF advisory council please email student.success@psu.edu.