FirstGen Forward, a national nonprofit organization supporting first-generation college student success, recently announced Elmhurst University as a new member of the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2026, recognizing the University’s demonstrated commitment to fostering success among first-generation students.
“We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Samantha Migatz, Elmhurst University’s assistant dean of students. “We are excited to see how belonging to a nationally recognized organization like this will continue to make a positive impact on our first-generation students.”
More than half of Elmhurst University’s undergraduate students are the first in their families to graduate from college. According to the latest U.S. News & World Report college rankings, Elmhurst ranks No. 3 in the Midwest as a Top Performer for Social Mobility, reflecting its success in supporting and graduating first-generation and economically disadvantaged students.
The FirstGen Forward Network is a group of peer higher education institutions working to create environments that improve the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. With the new class, the network includes more than 500 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 48 states and the District of Columbia.
“We are excited to welcome Elmhurst University to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina Martin, vice president at FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, Elmhurst demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students—backed by a willingness to align strategy, data and campuswide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”
Network institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on August 20. Being a Network member allows Elmhurst faculty and staff to build a foundational understanding of first-generation student success by taking part in monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities, sharing knowledge and resources, and contributing to a peer community.
“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion,” said Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another—sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale.”
“Elmhurst University is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the Class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment,” she added. “I know Elmhurst University will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”
To learn more about first-generation efforts at Elmhurst University, visit elmhurst.edu/Bluejayfirst. To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgenforward.org.