KCKCC Joins the FirstGen Forward Network

Kansas City Kansas Community College was selected to NASPA’s FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2024. KCKCC was one of 80 higher education institutions, and the only Kansas college, inducted to this year’s class. These colleges and universities were chosen based upon their demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“This recognition reflects the commitment and efforts of our entire KCKCC community, highlighting our dedication to working together across campus to address the diverse needs of our first-generation students,” said Brady Beckman, director of student success and retention at KCKCC. “We are honored to receive this acknowledgement from NASPA and look forward to advancing our support for first-generation students and their families through creative programs and initiatives. It’s time to show our first-generation students and families that we are dedicated to them.”

KCKCC defines first generation students as those with neither parent or guardian having earned a four-year college degree. The college has created a number of initiatives that focus on first generation students such as:

• Family engagement initiatives - creating programs or events that involve families of first-generation students, helping demystify the college experience and foster family support
• Faculty and staff training
• First-generation student community building - increasing awareness and advocacy for first generation students at KCKCC
• Academic and career support programming
• Creating Fearless First, a club geared for first generation students at KCKCC
• A first-generation student website with helpful information for students considering KCKCC

“We are pleased to welcome our newest class into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, executive vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that these higher education institutions are not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but are prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”

 The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

Institutions must apply to join the FirstGen Forward Network. During the first year of active engagement, Network Member institutions commit to building a foundational understanding of first-generation student success through participating in monthly workshops, networking and professional development opportunities, sharing knowledge and resources and contributing to a peer community. An institution can advance to the Network Leader phase upon successfully completing the Network Member requirements. The ultimate goal for Network Member institutions is to progress through the phases and achieve Network Champion status.