Bard College Earns Recognition for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success
ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—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.”
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About FirstGen Forward
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, provides a national model for scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience. Through strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, philanthropy, business, government, and individual advocates, we strive to close completion gaps and expand post-college opportunities. FirstGen Forward envisions a future where every first-generation student earns a postsecondary credential, accesses career and life opportunities that reflect their talents and training, and contributes their skills and leadership to strengthen communities around the world. To learn more, visit firstgenforward.org
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, provides a national model for scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience. Through strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, philanthropy, business, government, and individual advocates, we strive to close completion gaps and expand post-college opportunities. FirstGen Forward envisions a future where every first-generation student earns a postsecondary credential, accesses career and life opportunities that reflect their talents and training, and contributes their skills and leadership to strengthen communities around the world. To learn more, visit firstgenforward.org
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About Bard College
Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place and Massena properties, Bard’s campus consists of more than 1,200 parklike acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs; advanced degrees through 13 graduate programs; nine early colleges; and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 165-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal arts education. The undergraduate program at the main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu.
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This event was last updated on 08-27-2025
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