After welcoming the first UCA Commitment cohort, which is 54% first-generation students, the university received a grant tailored to supporting first-generation students.

The $1,000 2024 First-Generation College Celebration Initiative grant was awarded to UCA by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation.

Kimberly Jones, president of COE, said, “These grants allow colleges to amplify the achievements of their first-generation students while also bringing more attention to the resources and support available to them. 

“Schools can use the funds for various activities, including hosting events, creating support programs, offering workshops, and increasing outreach efforts,” she said. “The goal is to provide first-gen students more visibility and engage the broader community in understanding their experiences. Ultimately, these grants help foster a sense of belonging and pride for first-gen students on campus.”

Nadia Eslinger, chair of the First-Gen Committee, said the money will help curate First 2 Go Week, a week celebrating and encouraging first-generation students Nov. 8-13.

“This week will be full of engaging activities, resources and celebrations aimed at highlighting the resilience and success of our first-gen community,” Eslinger said. “The signature event, which we’re particularly excited about, will be on November 12 during X-Period featuring author Alejandra Campoverdi. Not only will she be discussing her powerful book, ‘First Gen: A Memoir,’ but she’ll also be doing a book signing. Having someone like Alejandra, who has walked the same path as many of our students, will be an inspiring and deeply meaningful experience.”

Jones said to qualify for the grant, colleges have to be members of COE or the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

“Institutions apply by proposing innovative and impactful ways to use the grant to engage their first-generation students and broader communities,” Jones said. “These proposals can focus on anything from launching new events to expanding programs supporting first-generation students. We look for schools committed to raising awareness about first-generation students’ unique challenges and providing solutions to help them succeed.”

Jones said grants like this one allow colleges to create programs that provide resources for students.

“The First-Generation College Celebration initiative grant supports colleges and universities in creating programs and events that specifically celebrate and support first-generation college students,” she said. “Each year, the Council for Opportunity in Education and NASPA provide these grants to selected institutions to help them reach more first-gen students, engage their communities, and launch new initiatives highlighting the successes and challenges of first-generation college students. These grants enable schools to expand their outreach and provide additional services and resources around the annual First-Generation College Celebration.”

Eslinger said the grant will help UCA continue supporting first-generation students and provide them with the resources needed to succeed in college.

“This grant allows us to elevate the visibility of first-gen students and give them the recognition and support they deserve,” she said. “It will help us foster a sense of pride and belonging, not just during this week but in everything we do throughout the year. I couldn’t be more excited about the potential impact this will have on our students and the campus community.”

From the Student Success Center to FirstGen@UCA and UCA F1RSTs, UCA has aimed to provide resources to first-generation students.

UCA F1RSTs, the university’s first-generation scholars honors society, hosts events throughout the academic year for students to mingle and learn more about being successful in college.

Eslinger said, “As a former first-generation professional, this grant holds a special place in my heart. It’s an incredible opportunity to empower and celebrate our first-gen students in ways we’ve never done before.”