From Press Release: Georgetown University Receives First Forward Designation; National Honor for Commitment to First-generation Student Success
Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2019) – The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA –
Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, recently announced their
inaugural cohort of First Forward Institutions. The First Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-
generation college students. Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the Center’s research and resources.
The Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) was founded in 2004 and has served over 1,600 of Georgetown
University students, most of whom were the first generation in their families to attend college. Currently, the GSP family provides programmatic support for over 600 undergraduates, the program works with students as
they navigate through elite higher education. GSP’s mission is to work towards a more equitable college
experience for first generation and low-income college students. GSP students proudly hold a 96% graduation
rate.
“The Center is so pleased to welcome Georgetown University into our inaugural cohort of First Forward
institutions. Through the application process, it was evident that Georgetown University is not only taking
steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ
strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior
director of the Center for First-generation Student Success.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by NASPA for our efforts to support first-generation and low-income
students. Moving forward, we will continue our student-centered, whole-institution approach to equity at
Georgetown,” said Corey Stewart, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Georgetown Scholars
Program.
As a First Forward Institution, select faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and
outcomes of first-generation students. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First Forward
Workshop to be held in Orlando in June and will participate in monthly phone calls, virtual professional
development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more. After two successful years in the
program, institutions are eligible to apply for the Advisory leadership designation.
“First Forward is an exciting opportunity for Georgetown University to join an elite 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. We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First Forward cohort and know Georgetown University will be a significant contributor,” offered Dr. Kevin Kruger, president of NASPA.
To learn more about first-generation efforts at Georgetown University visit gsp.georgetown.edu.To learn
more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.
NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Visit naspa.org for more information.
The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Through four strategic priority areas, the Center drives higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.
Update as of December 2022: The First-gen Forward designation for Georgetown University is active from May 2019 up to December 31, 2022.