University of Houston Receives Grant to Empower and Celebrate First-Generation College Students in November

DSA News
September 20, 2024

The University of Houston 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 Annuity Association (TIAA) and the Strada Education Foundation, will enable the University of Houston to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students in our community. At the University of Houston, first-generation learners comprise 45% of the student population. Their success is made possible by many campus programs and resources, as well as the guidance of faculty, staff and peers. For more information about the University of Houston's initiatives for first-generation college students, please contact rljones@uh.edu at rljones@uh.edu or visit https://uh.edu/cse/.

The First-Generation College Celebration is recognized each year on November 8th, marking the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of first-generation students persist to degree completion     The First-Generation College Celebration highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. 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. Donell Young, J.D., dean of students remarked, “This recognition highlights the University of Houston and the Center for Student Empowerment’s commitment to first generation students. The Center for Student Empowerment works tirelessly to assist first generation students reach their holistic student success goals. This grant will provide the university a greater opportunity to provide more supportive pillars for our students.”

Among those trying to make the college experience more enjoyable and accessible for first-gen students is Dr. Raven Jones, director of the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE), which helps students solve barriers that stand in the way of graduating. Students may come in with financial or academic questions, but they can also find information on mental health, social engagement on campus and civil leadership opportunities. Jones said, "I think first-gen is an important group to work with, although they have some struggles and challenges, they learned from their parents who have displayed awesome resiliency. By offering services beyond financial and academic ones — from mentorship to securing food and technology for school — the center can create successful students. Right now, with a lot of our programs, we want to scale up to reach more first-gen.”

By receiving this grant, the University of Houston reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like the University of Houston to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive." CEO of FirstGen Forward Maurice Jones, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed those sentiments, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with [Institution name] and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities."

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. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. 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. 

Written by Gabriel Grady, Assistant Director, Center for Student Empowerment – Student Affairs and Germaine Washington, Director of Marketing and Communications – Student Affairs