SPC Recognized for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success

FirstGen Forward has selected St. Petersburg College (SPC) as one of 20 new higher education institutions to advance to the Network Leader phase of the FirstGen Forward Network.

SPC was chosen based on its demonstrated commitment to advancing the outcomes of first-generation students through improving both first-generation student success initiatives and institution-wide approaches. According to FirstGen Forward, first-generation students comprise a third of all college students in the U.S.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a Network Leader in the FirstGen Forward Network. SPC is committed to the success of our students and recognizes the unique challenges that many of our first-generation students face,” said Dr. Jamelle Conner, Vice President of Student Affairs at SPC. “The goals of the Network Leader phase align closely with our goals for student success and completion. We look forward to sharing our experiences, learning from others, and continuing to strengthen our commitment to first-generation student success.”

The FirstGen Forward Network is a three-phase approach that allows higher education institutions to advance outcomes for first-generation students by establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources, and establishing peer networks.

“Moving to the Network Leader phase enables us to work more closely with experts in first-generational student success,” said Dr. Leslie Hafer, SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Provost.

To date, 429 institutions of higher education, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia, have been accepted to the network.

“FirstGen Forward is delighted to announce St. Petersburg College as one of our newest Network Leader institutions,” said Maurice A. Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students, 54% of all undergraduates in our country. America’s success is intertwined with their success.”

SPC’s first-generation student success group is called First to Finished. The group brings together students, faculty, staff, and administrators to raise awareness, showcase first-generation student support, and celebrate all first-generation students past and present. At the College’s December 2024 graduation, 336 graduates became the first in their families to earn a college degree among the 1,742 degrees and certificates awarded. Also, 178 were the first to earn a bachelor’s degree in their family out of 357 bachelor’s degrees awarded at commencement.

“The First to Finished team is excited to be a part of the First Gen Forward Network Leader Cohort. Being a part of this cohort will allow us to work closely with experts to help us elevate and strengthen our first-generation student support efforts at SPC,” said Dr. Shannon Ulrich, Associate Dean of Academic Services at SPC’s Tarpon Springs Campus.

FirstGen Forward recognizes SPC along with the following institutions for their advancement to the Network Leader phase:

• Agnes Scott College
• Chattanooga State Community College
• Dyersburg State Community College
• East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Iowa State University
• Jackson State Community College
• Jacksonville State University
• Lamar University
• Massachusetts College of Art and Design
• Pellissippi State Community College
• Ramapo College of New Jersey
• Roane State Community College
• Sam Houston State University
• Southwest Tennessee Community College
• St. Petersburg College
• The University of Texas at San Antonio
• University of Alabama at Birmingham
• University of North Texas at Dallas
• Western Carolina University

Major partners, including The Suder Foundation, TIAA, Ascendium Education Group, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and others, support the FirstGen Forward Network’s work.

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, accelerates success for first-generation students in education, career, and life by collaborating with higher education, philanthropy, business, government, and individuals to eliminate the completion gap and broaden post-college opportunities. Our vision: A future in which first-generation students obtain postsecondary credentials; access opportunities commensurate with their skills, education, and training; and maximize their service to people and communities worldwide.