Bard College Earns Recognition for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success
Bard College, 2025. Photo by Karl Rabe
Bard College has been announced as a new member of FirstGen Forward Network for 2025–26. FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, is an organization which aims to accelerate the success of first-generation students in education, career, and life, and provides data and training for educational institutions around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving these students.
“We are pleased to welcome Bard College into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that Bard is not only committed to supporting first-generation students, but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive.”
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase framework designed to help institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and cocurricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures. During the first year, network members engage in monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community.
“Bard College joins a growing movement of institutions and professionals who are committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We look forward to seeing Bard and the entire Class of 2025 make a lasting impact.”
Post Date: 08-27-2025
“We are pleased to welcome Bard College into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that Bard is not only committed to supporting first-generation students, but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive.”
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase framework designed to help institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and cocurricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures. During the first year, network members engage in monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community.
“Bard College joins a growing movement of institutions and professionals who are committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We look forward to seeing Bard and the entire Class of 2025 make a lasting impact.”
Post Date: 08-27-2025