CCRI receives grant to empower and celebrate First-Generation college students

10/24/2024

The Community College of Rhode Island is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant for the 2024 First-Generation College Celebration initiative, provided by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation, to further its commitment to supporting first-generation college students.

The $1,000 grant will be used to support a First Generation Family Night event at CCRI’s Lincoln Campus on November 7, 2024 as part of its First-Generation College Celebration Day programming. First-Generation College Celebration Day is observed each year on November 8 to celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff who were the first in their families to graduate college.

“CCRI is proud to have a vibrant first-generation community and we are honored to receive this grant on behalf of the First-Generation College Celebration initiative,” said CCRI Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D. RN. “More than half of our students identifying as first-generation alongside numerous faculty, staff, and students who share this remarkable background – myself included.

“As the first in my family to graduate college, I understand the impact felt not only by the student earning that degree, but in all the lives they touch throughout their career in their contributions to their community and in the generations that follow in their footsteps. Higher education remains our surest path to increasing equity, access, and opportunity for all and the hard work and determination of our first-generation community is truly an inspiration.”

The First-Generation College Celebration, observed annually on November 8, highlights the experiences and achievements of first-generation students while addressing the systemic barriers they face in higher education. By receiving this grant, CCRI reaffirms its dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

COE President Kimberly Jones emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "First-generation college students bring unique perspectives and resilience to our campuses. This grant empowers institutions like the Community College of Rhode Island to continue providing the necessary resources and support for these students to thrive."

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, echoed these sentiments: "We are thrilled to partner with the Community College of Rhode Island and other institutions across the country to advance the success of first-generation college students. We’re especially grateful to TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation for their generous sponsorship of this grant, which represents an opportunity to catalyze innovative solutions and create lasting impact within our communities."

Launched by COE and FirstGen Forward in 2017, the First-Generation College Celebration has united hundreds of college campuses across the country for an often-overlooked population through numerous events, including student rallies, faculty-led panel discussions, artistic performances, and more in recognition of first-generation students, administrators, faculty, and alumni.

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 dedicated to expanding college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works with colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Nearly a million low-income students and students with disabilities receive college access and retention services each year through our member colleges and agencies.

FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector, and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career, and life.

Share on Social Media