FirstGen Forward announced in May that Talladega College was awarded the $10,000 TIAA Innovation Award. The grant was awarded to the College in recognition of its innovative efforts to support the success of first-generation college students. Talladega was one of five institutions from across the nation to earn the award.
“In Fall 2023, we launched the ‘Proud to be First-Gen’ initiative during National First-Generation Celebration Week, which created a meaningful space for faculty, staff and students to share and celebrate their first-generation experiences,” said Dr. Gary Edwards, Talladega’s vice president and dean of students.
“As a proud first-gen graduate myself, I believe this grant is a powerful step forward in advancing student success and continuing to build a culture of belonging at Talladega College.”
Edwards noted that the award provides resources for an emergency fund to support the College’s first-generation students, campus food pantry enhancement and to build awareness about Talladega’s initiative among other uses.
According to FirstGen Forward, first-generation college students represent more than half of all undergraduate college students in the nation. However, FirstGen Forward points out that these students are graduating “far less than their peers.” At the same time, they note that first-gen students “are applying to college at twice the rate of continuing-generation students.”
With the support of FirstGen Forward, Talladega is joining a national effort that fortifies the nation. “College graduates are 88% more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and twice as likely to be civically engaged,” according to FirstGen Forward.
Additionally, FirstGen Forward asserts that closing the completion gap for first-generation college students “will result in 4.4 million more graduates and a net benefit of $700 billion to the U.S. economy.”
FirstGen Forward seeks to create success for first-generation students by working with colleges and universities, philanthropy, business, government and individuals in an effort to eliminate the completion gap and broaden post-college opportunities. The venture was established through a partnership between The Suder Foundation and NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
