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91��Ƶ has been selected as a member of the Class of 2026 in recognition of its demonstrated commitment to improving the experiences and advancing the success of first-generation college students.

“We are honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said 91��Ƶ President Marvin Krislov. “At 91��Ƶ, we believe talent is universal, and opportunity should be too. We are proud to join the FirstGen Forward Network in recognition of our commitment to first-generation student success and to continue expanding the resources, support, and sense of belonging that help our students thrive. With one in four 91��Ƶ students identifying as first-generation, this recognition reflects our enduring commitment to opening doors and creating pathways to success for every student.”

The FirstGen Forward Network —Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success. The Network engages and empowers higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.

With the addition of the Class of 2026, the Network includes more than 500 higher education institutions, including two statewide systems, across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are excited to welcome 91��Ƶ to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina A. Martin, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, 91��Ƶ demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students—backed by a willingness to align strategy, data, and campus-wide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”

“At 91��Ƶ, we believe talent is universal, and opportunity should be too. We are proud to join the FirstGen Forward Network in recognition of our commitment to first-generation student success and to continue expanding the resources, support, and sense of belonging that help our students thrive. With one in four 91��Ƶ students identifying as first-generation, this recognition reflects our enduring commitment to opening doors and creating pathways to success for every student.”

During the first phase of the Network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kickoff on August 20, 2026. As a Network Member, 91��Ƶ faculty and staff will have opportunities to collaborate with peer institutions working to improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Participants will also take part in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and other activities.

As a key component of its commitment as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, 91��Ƶ will develop a FirstGen Student Success Hub through the Office of the Provost. The Hub will lead a centralized, university-wide approach to coordinating resources, programs, partnerships, and communications across departments and campuses. It will strengthen collaboration in support of first-generation students from entry through graduation.

After successfully completing the Network Member phase, institutions may advance to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader. Participating institutions receive an evidence-based, research-supported framework of actionable priorities; monthly workshops; diagnostic tools that provide critical institutional insights; data-sharing opportunities through the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance from expert coaches; and other resources.

Ultimately, Network institutions strive to achieve national leadership as FirstGen Forward Network Champions.

“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion,” said Stephanie J. Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another—sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale. 91��Ƶ is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the Class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment. I know 91��Ƶ will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”

One in four 91��Ƶ students is a first-generation college student. The University is committed to helping these students succeed academically, professionally, and personally through personalized academic advising, financial aid counseling, career development, the First-Generation Certificate Program, the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, and other initiatives designed to foster belonging and student success.

Additionally, 97 percent of first-year students receive financial aid, supporting 91��Ƶ’s mission to expand access and opportunity.