Dr. Stephanie Groninga Bannister

We are officially 2 WEEKS away from National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov 8! 🎓✨ Get ready to amplify first-gen stories on your campus. Access customizable graphics, social copy, & resources on our website:bit.ly/fgf-fgcc

Network Member Spotlight! Hope Pacheco from @uhdowntown joined @insidehighered Voices of Student Success podcast to discuss navigating the hidden curriculum in higher ed. Listen to Episode 212 on building true campus belonging: bit.ly/4xtUPeB

Thanks to @tandfonline access a FREE article from the Journal of First-Generation Student Success. September's article explores the experience of the parents of first-gen college students, with many takeaways for practitioners. Access it free: bit.ly/FgSSaturdaybit.ly/FgS…

Now Available: FirstGen Forward President Dr. Bannister appeared on the Gardner Institute podcast, "Office Hours with John Gardner" to talk about the first-gen experience, the latest research, and the opportunities ahead for our Network and our community. ow.ly/tQZy50YUBoi

The First‑Generation College Celebration Grant application is now open. As we approach the 10th annual celebration in 2026, we invite organizations to join us in honoring first‑gen students. Applications open April 21 and close July 24 at 12pm, noon PT. bit.ly/fgf-fgcc

Want to learn more about joining the FirstGen Forward Network? There's one final info session this spring! Our 4/14 virtual info session will detail the process and share resources to help you in your application. Register now: bit.ly/NMinfosession26

FirstGen Forward President affirms that Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers are critical to first‑generation student success. Proposed changes to TRIO’s Talent Search program raise serious concerns for college access. Read the full statement: bit.ly/fgf-statement402

Celebrate first‑generation students all year long. National First‑Generation College Celebration may take place in November, but our commitment to uplifting first‑gen learners continues every day. #CelebrateFirstGen

Thank you for an amazing week at the 2026 @NASPAtweets Annual Conference in Kansas City! 💙✨ We loved being in community + connecting with so many champions of first‑generation student success. See you again soon in Austin, TX for the First-generation Student Success Conference!

Serve the field of first-generation student success by volunteering as a Reviewer for the 2026 TIAA Innovation Award. Review applications are due Feb. 20, 2026. Your expertise can help highlight impactful innovation in higher education: bit.ly/TIAAInnovationAward

If you're interested in attending #SSHE26 and the First-Generation Student Success Conference, there are scholarships available for those in need. The deadline for #SSHE26 scholarships is April 10. Apply now: naspa.org/awards/naspa-found…

You still have time to apply for the TIAA Innovation Awards! Apply by Feb. 20 for up to $10K for your institution's most creative approaches to enhancing campus-wide success for first-gen students. Learn more: bit.ly/TIAAInnovationAward

The Network Member application for the Class of 2026 is now open. Join our virtual info session on Feb 11 to learn more about the Network experience and application process. Institutions can apply Feb 2–May 4, 2026. Learn more here: bit.ly/fgfnetwork

Your #FirstGenForward Wrapped is here 🎧💙 This year we delivered: 📘 New research & publications 🌐 A fresh website + new socials 🎤Conference engagements 🏫 Growth of Network Institutions 🎉 9th First-Gen College Celebration Let’s keep going. #FirstGen #CelebrateFirstGen

Today, November 8, is the ninth annual First-Generation College Celebration, and we hope you’ll join us and #CelebrateFirstGen. Check out this message from our president, Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister: firstgenforward.org/2025-fgc…

Want to know what's next for FirstGen Forward? What the latest research says about higher education? We invite all Network institutions to join a Community Conversation, on October 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Check out your Network Basecamp learning hub for registration details!

NEW DATA! We're proud to announce the fourth installment in our new national landscape analyses series exploring the ways #FirstGen develop their identity, sense of belonging, & community. Download for FREE at bit.ly/FGFLandscape.

We know #TRIOWorks—and @drsbann emphasizes that TRIO's impact extends beyond data; it cultivates resilience and empowerment. Read about #FirstGenForward's support for the preservation and strengthening of TRIO programs in this month's #AdvocateFirstGen at bit.ly/Advocate_June25.