FIU named a champion among universities nationwide for first-generation student success

Florida International University has been named one of 18 champions of first-generation student success in 2025 by FirstGen Forward, a nationwide initiative by NASPA (the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators) which recognizes institutions for their services and programming dedicated to promoting the achievements of students who are among the first generation in their families to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Among 429 institutions of higher education nationwide participating in the FirstGen Forward Network, a total of 32 have advanced through the three-stage development process to the highest echelon, Network Champions. FIU is among the second cohort of Network Champions, so designated for their efforts to scale wraparound student services, advance awareness efforts, and contribute to a growing knowledge base of evidence-backed practices and leadership engagement.

“Achieving unprecedented first-gen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce, and life success for the families of graduates,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “To be named a Network Champion is an honor and a testament to the work of FIU, evidence that it is a national leader in this area, and a role model for the field for years to come.”

At FIU, one-third of undergraduates are first-generation. For some, the journey to the commencement stage can be difficult – being the first in the family to attend college presents unique challenges, as these students’ parents cannot draw from personal experience to help them navigate college life.

Chief among the factors that contributed to FIU’s designation as a Network Champion: the institution-wide emphasis placed on raising awareness for and supporting their needs.

“First-generation student success is not the responsibility of any one department or office. It is a piece of our fabric at FIU. Fundamentally, our FIU team, faculty and staff alike, believe that supporting students’ achievements begins on day one of their academic journey, and extends far beyond their instruction in the classroom,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Elizabeth M. Bejar. “It is an honor to be recognized as a leader for our efforts, and we look forward to continuing to expand the knowledge base on first-gen best practices together with our fellow Network Champions.”

The university takes a holistic approach to First-Generation Initiatives. In addition to a variety of scholarships available to this community (donations to which are matched two-to-one by the state of Florida), these students have access to personalized success coaching and wraparound support to help them excel in their coursework, including dedicated academic and student development services offered by the Office of Student Access and Success.

They can also explore federally funded TRIO programs designed to uplift first-generation students.

The First-Generation Initiatives committee offers training to help faculty and staff understand the unique needs of the first-generation students in their classes and connect them to wraparound services available as they identify those who may need additional support. Additionally, the committee hosts breakout sessions for incoming first-generation students and their parents during first-year student orientations, ensuring they are empowered to excel from day one.

These efforts continue to pay off: 92% of first-generation students at FIU progress from year one to year two of the college journey – a metric which is critical in determining a student’s likelihood to complete their academic career.

To honor the achievements of its first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff, FIU hosts a week-long celebration leading up to National First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8. The goal is to help students learn about the services available to them as well as to connect with peers and potential mentors among their first-generation alumni, faculty and staff counterparts. Festivities include resource fairs, professional development and wellness workshops, networking receptions, and a pep rally in Chapman Plaza.

The full schedule for First-Gen Week at FIU will be announced later this year on the First-Generation Initiatives website. Visit the site to learn more about scholarship opportunities, services and programs, and more.