FirstGen Forward has named the University of South Carolina one of its newest FirstGen Forward Network Champions, an exclusive group of institutions recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success.
The network includes 470 colleges and universities across 47 states and the District of Columbia. There are three designations an institution can achieve — member, leader and champion — with only 32 institutions recognized at the champion level.
USC is one of just three SEC schools to earn the champion designation, joining Mississippi State and Kentucky. Only two other schools in the state, Presbyterian and Furman, have the champion designation as well.
“We are honored to be recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion,” said Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This distinction reflects our strong commitment to supporting first-generation students and building pathways that help them succeed from enrollment through graduation.”
Through initiatives led by the First-Generation Center and campus partners, USC provides programs and resources that help foster academic achievement, personal growth and a sense of belonging.
The university is dedicated to ensuring first-generation students at USC, which make up over 20 percent of the student population, have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
USC opened its first generation center last year and provides resources for first-generation students to match with mentors at the university. There are also resources for faculty and staff to access to help them support first-generation students in Columbia.
To learn more about first-generation efforts at the University of South Carolina, visit the Graduation and Retention Network website.