FirstGen Forward, the center for first-generation student success, has announced North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as one of four FirstGen Forward Network Champion institutions to receive an inaugural Transformation Grant. The award, provided by FirstGen Forward with support from the Gates Foundation, will empower these institutions to use the Postsecondary Data Partnership (PDP) data to drive meaningful, data-informed improvements for first-generation college students.

"We look forward to using this award to further our commitment to first-generation student success and aiding other HBCU's by developing a replicable HBCU First-Gen Data Framework," said Dekendrick Murray, NCCU's executive director for Student Access & Success Programs.

The Transformation Grant provides institutions with $5,000 in unrestricted funds to engage higher education institutions in the strategic use of PDP data to:

• Foster advanced data-driven decision-making processes that enhance institutional effectiveness.
• Support launching or expanding programs, events and initiatives specifically designed to serve first-generation college students.
• Provide comprehensive services to improve the success and retention of first-generation students throughout their academic journey.

North Carolina Central University's award will allow the institution to implement "Destination: HBCU First-Gen Graduation".

"With more than half of our country's undergraduates identifying as first-generation, helping these students succeed will spark life-changing, multigenerational impact and open doors to greater educational, career and life opportunities for them and their families," said Stephanie Bannister, Ph.D., president of FirstGen Forward." NCCU has displayed a commitment to data-informed solutions that advance the success of their first-generation students, and their selection as a recipient of the FirstGen Forward Transformation Award is both a recognition of their efforts to date and fuel for their future success."

All award recipients will author an award brief detailing their efforts, including the establishment of learning outcomes, success metrics and initial results of their programs, services or initiatives. Additionally, award recipients will be encouraged to present and elevate their work at high-profile conferences supported by FirstGen Forward. These briefs will also be shared broadly across FirstGen Forward's network channels and featured in network sessions to highlight promising practices and inspire peer learning.

To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgenforward.org.