The University of Minnesota Crookston is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative. This grant, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable the U of M Crookston to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community.
“We are excited that FirstGen Forward has recognized our work with first-generation college students here at U of M Crookston,” states Director of Student Success and Academic Advising Jacob Isaacs, Ph.D. “We are very eager to make use of the grant to support, encourage, and celebrate first-gen students as they find their success at Crookston and beyond.”
The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, U of M Crookston reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
“We are thrilled to partner with U of M Crookston and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success.
Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.
About the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE)
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Nearly a million low-income students and students with disabilities receive college access and retention services each year through our member colleges and agencies.
About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career, and life.