First-Gen Institute
Welcome to the First-Gen Institute! We blend community engagement, research, and institutional collaboration to increase access and opportunity for first-generation students, professionals, and scholars in higher education.
The First-Gen Institute is a national hub for research, partnerships, and institutional strategy focused on expanding access, opportunity, and success for first-generation students, graduate students, faculty, and student affairs professionals in higher education. We define first-generation individuals to be those who may have graduated with a four-year degree and whose parents or caregivers did not complete a 4-year college degree.
Our work champions the unique strengths, insights, and contributions of first-gen individuals while fostering environments that promote inclusive learning, mentorship, and leadership.
Through data-driven initiatives, collaborative networks, and tailored programming, we equip institutions and individuals with key tools and strategies to navigate and transform higher education systems.
The First Gen Institute is comprised of numerous activity areas
What we do
Our core areas of work include academic engagement, belonging, mentorship, institutional engagement, and leadership development for first-gen students and professionals. We focus on:
- Supporting students, faculty, and student affairs professionals through research-based best practices and programs that build career readiness and academic success.
- Strengthening institutional systems, including faculty and staff development, to better support first-gen learners.
- Addressing the hidden curriculum through communities of practice and tailored training that make higher education more navigable for those new to its norms and expectations.
- Promoting long-term systemic improvements through institutional partnerships and scalable innovation.
About us: Mission, vision, and values
Mission
To advance research, programs, and networks that foster success for first-generation individuals across higher education.
Vision
We envision a future where first-generation students and professionals are fully supported, celebrated, and empowered to shape the future of higher education and beyond.
Values
- Access & opportunity: We work to expand institutional pathways that enable first-gen learners to thrive.
- Community-engaged collaboration: We cultivate first-generation cultural wealth to foster self-efficacy and professional growth.
- Collaboration: We partner with students, educators, and institutions to co-create solutions.
- Innovation: We apply research and data to design forward-thinking strategies that close opportunity gaps.
History of the First-Gen Institute
The First-Gen Institute was founded in 2017 with support from the CEHD Dean’s Office Big Idea Grant at the University of Minnesota. Conceived by Professor Rashné Jehangir, the Institute emerged as a space where scholar-practitioners, graduate students, and professionals could reimagine how institutions serve and support first-generation college students. Our founding goals continue to guide our work:
- Amplifying the voices and lived experiences of first-gen students while reframing narratives around their strengths and aspirations.
- Identifying and addressing gaps in support systems to ensure holistic support for first-generation undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty.
- Building visibility and community across campus so first-generation students can see themselves reflected in leadership and academic spaces.
- Promoting collaborative strategies across colleges and departments to improve persistence, belonging, and agency of FG students, faculty, and professionals.
In 2019, FGI was selected as part of NASPA’s Inaugural Cohort of First-Gen Forward Institutions, recognizing its leadership in advancing first-gen success across postsecondary education.
- Leadership team: Meet the experts and professionals guiding our work.
- Advisory board and partners: We collaborate with institutions and organizations to expand support and opportunities for first-gen students and professionals.
- Impact overview
- Success stories: Read testimonials from students, faculty, and professionals who have benefited from our programs and research.
- Success stories: Read testimonials from students, faculty, and professionals who have benefited from our programs and research.
Programs and initiatives
- First-Gen Forward Conference and keynote speaker: Our annual event brings together scholars, professionals, and students to discuss best practices, share research, and explore strategies for first-gen success.
- Microgrants and funding opportunities
- Microgrant application process: Funding is available for initiatives and projects that support first-generation students.
- Sample application: Guidelines and templates to help applicants.
- Past microgrant recipients: Learn about previous recipients and their projects.
- Microgrant application process: Funding is available for initiatives and projects that support first-generation students.
- Communities of practice
- Current community activities: Engage in mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Research and insights
- Research and scholarship (categories: teaching & learning, First-Gen graduate students, advising, finances)
- Published papers and reports: Access research that informs and improves support for first-gen students.
- Ongoing research projects: Stay informed about studies focusing on first-generation student experiences and institutional strategies.
Resources and tools
- For educators and institutions:
- Training modules: Professional development resources for faculty and staff.
- First-Gen toolkit: Practical tools and strategies for enhancing first-gen student success.
- Policy briefs and one-pagers: Research-backed recommendations for institutions and policymakers.
Engagement opportunities
- Collaborate with us: Partner on research, programs, or institutional initiatives.
- Request a training: Schedule a workshop tailored to your department or organization’s needs.
Events and news
- Upcoming events calendar: Stay informed about conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Latest news and updates: Learn about our latest research and initiatives.
- Event highlights:
- Past event recordings: Access discussions and keynotes from past events.
- Key takeaways: Read insights and summaries from previous events.
Contact us
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to our team at fginstitute@umn.edu for more information.