UC Berkeley selected for inclusion in FirstGen Forward Network

We are thrilled to share that UC Berkeley has been selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-25. This designation is a testament to our commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students. The FirstGen Forward Network, powered by FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-Generation Student Success), recognizes institutions dedicated to transforming the first-generation student experience and advancing academic and co-curricular outcomes.

The inclusion in the FirstGen Forward Network reflects UC Berkeley's ongoing efforts to support and uplift first-generation college students. “Our selection as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network is a significant next step in our ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation students," shares Fabrizio Mejia, Acting Vice Chancellor for the Division of Equity and Inclusion. “We are excited to join this network and continue to drive positive change for our students”

Commitment to first-generation student success

At UC Berkeley, gaining admission is only the beginning. Our Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3) and Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement (EJCE) play a crucial role in supporting student equity, retention, and success along with belonging and care justice. One of the four priorities of Berkeley's Thriving Initiatives are dedicated to enrolling, retaining, and graduating increased rates of first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students.

“Building on the decades of support offered to first time college goers by programs including EOP and the Transfer Student Center, joiningthe FirstGen Forward Network underscores our commitment to providing the resources and support necessary for first-generation students to thrive at UC Berkeley. We look forward to collaborating with other institutions to share best practices and enhance our programs,” shares Julian Ledesma, Senior Executive Director of the Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3).

Our goal is to ensure that students of all backgrounds achieve their potential at the number one public university in the world. Our efforts are grouped into three categories:

• CE3 Primarily Frosh Entry programs (Berkeley Hope Scholars, Educational Opportunity Program, and Undocumented Student Program) focus on providing holistic guidance, programming, and scholarships for first-generation, low-income, and undocumented students as well as those who were orphaned before the age of 18 or have been part of the foster care system.

• CE3 Primarily Transfer Entry programs (Cal Veteran Services Center,Miller Scholars, NavCal, Re-Entry Student Program, Student Parent Center, Student Support Services, Transfer Student Center) help ease the transition to Berkeley from community colleges or other institutions, with a particular focus on students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds including independent students, student parents, and non-traditional age students. Students benefit from specialized programming, student-friendly resource centers, and holistic guidance. 

• Educational Justice and Community Engagement:African American Student Development, Asian Pacific American Student Development, Chicanx Latinx Student Development, Gender Equity Resource Center, Multicultural Community Center, and Native American Student Development

“This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community, and provides us with an opportunity to intentionally collaborate across campus to meet the intersectional needs of our first-generation students,” shares Lauryn Valerio, Deputy Director of Frosh Programs at CE3. “We are proud to be recognized and are eager to continue our efforts in supporting first-generation students through innovative programs and initiatives.”

Looking forward

As a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, including 429 institutions across 49 states, UC Berkeley will participate in various activities, including monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, and annual reporting. We will also engage with peer institutions to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, and generate knowledge.

We are excited about the opportunities this designation brings and look forward to continuing our work in supporting first-generation students at UC Berkeley.

As we look forward to the Fall 2024 semester, the Division of Equity & Inclusion is looking forward to hosting a campus-wide celebration in honor of National First Generation Celebration Day. This year, EOP’s annual First Generation Celebration will expand to include our campus partners in the Graduate Division, Student Affairs, and other CE3 programs. We are excited to share more details as we finalize this year’s celebration.