UAH recognized for commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has been named a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, a national group of colleges and universities committed to the success of first-generation college students. UAH is one of eighty new members announced for 2024-25. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, UAH displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students. UAH is part of The University of Alabama system.

“We are honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Charles L. Karr, UAH president. “Our continued support of first-generation college students is one example of UAH’s commitment to ensuring that students of all backgrounds are provided with open and equal access to resources and opportunities to achieve success. Our selection as a member is a testament to our commitment to helping UAH students succeed.”

UAH offers numerous programs to support first-generation college students, including mentoring programs, the First 2 Grad student support organization, as well as other initiatives geared toward fostering academic success. UAH’s Academic Success Advocacy Program (ASAP) provides proactive support to students, better enabling them to realize their goal of graduation from UAH. “UAH recognizes the importance of providing additional support to our first-generation college students to help them succeed both in and out of the classroom, and I am proud of the programs the university has already implemented in this area,” said Karr.

Powered by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, the FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are pleased to welcome the University of Alabama in Huntsville into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that UAH is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”

During the first phase of the FirstGen Forward Network, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. As part of the program, institutions may progress to become FirstGen Forward Network Leaders and Champions.

“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for UAH to join a dedicated 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 Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know UAH will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at UAH, visit https://www.uah.edu/first-generation-students. To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgen.naspa.org.