Tri-C Receives National Recognition for Advancing First-Generation Student Success

College one of 18 selected by FirstGen Forward for new class of Network Champions

CLEVELAND — FirstGen Forward recognized the commitment of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) to first-generation students by advancing the College to the highest phase of the First Scholars Network of Institutions.

Tri-C is one of only 18 higher education institutions selected for the newest class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions.

Network Champion institutions are an exclusive group serving as national leaders in advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to a knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and scaling student support.

"We are extremely honored to be selected as a Network Champion in the FirstGen Forward Network," said Angela Johnson, the vice president of enrollment management. "Supporting first-generation students empowers them to break barriers, achieve their dreams, and inspire future generations. Their success is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education."

More than half (56%) of the students enrolled at the College are the first in their families to pursue a degree.

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach — Network Member, Network Leader and Network Champion — to scaling holistic first-generation student success by empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and cocurricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 higher education institutions, including two statewide systems, have entered the network, representing 49 states and Washington, D.C.

"As one of only 32 institutions in the country to have been recognized as a Network Champion, Tri-C has displayed a commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align its efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion," said Stephanie J. Bannister, Ph.D., the vice president for the FirstGen Forward. "Not only is Tri-C doing excellent work to support its own first-generation students, but it continues to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education."

Despite being in the highest phase, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students' experiences and completion rates.

"With 54% of current undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, achieving unprecedented first-gen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce and life success for the families of graduates," said Maurice Jones, the CEO of FirstGen Forward. "To be named a Network Champion is an honor and a testament to the work of Tri-C, evidence that it is a national leader in this area, and a role model for the field for years to come."

Tri-C first received recognition as a FirstGen Forward institution in 2023.

Visit Tri-C's First Generation Students web page to learn more.

April 14, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu