Becker College Selected to First Scholars® Network
Published on: July 16, 2020
The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of Fi
rst Scholars® Network institutions. Becker College was selected to join the Network after demonstrating a commitment to advancing the outcomes of first-generation students through improving both first-generation student success initiatives and institution-wide approaches.
First Scholars supports institutional desire to scale programmatic initiatives to support first-generation students throughout the student lifecycle and beyond. First Scholars draws upon carefully crafted institution-focused and student-centered actionable outcomes designed to deliver these results and provides a complete ecosystem of processes, tools, and guidance designed to work within Becker College’s specific environment.
Becker College joins 31 institutions in building upon already successful programmatic elements for broad scaling while creating systemic cultural shifts that address first-generation student success with intentionality. First Scholars aligns clearly defined, measurable goals with institutional data to identify gaps, track progress, and create systems allowing leadership to make informed choices resulting in improved student outcomes, strengthened enrollment management, collaborative programming, and preservation of resources.
“The landscape of first-generation student initiatives is continually shifting alongside the ever-changing needs of our communities, nation, and global society. As part of the First Scholars Network, Becker College will become a key partner in driving systemic change and looking to the future of first-generation student success,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success.
“Becker College is deeply honored to be selected for the First Scholars Network and for the generous support of The Suder Foundation and NASPA,” said Nancy P. Crimmin, Ed.D., Becker College President, and a first-generation student herself. “In the 2019-2020 academic year, approximately 30% of Becker students identified as first generation. We’re excited to expand opportunities and services for our first-generation students and enhance our outstanding support services on campus for the benefit of all students.”
First Scholars institutions will partner with the Center for a two-year experience that will provide:
- Expert Guidance and tailored resources converging to support institution-wide systemic transformation and provide on-time, first-generation thought-leader expertise;
- An integrated framework that combines evidence-based and targeted solutions to propel institution-wide systemic transformation and confidently scale holistic student support across the academic career of first-generation students;
- Robust inventory, assessment, and reporting structures focused on first-generation student support and institutional cultural shifts;
- Scalable initiatives and programmatic toolkits customizable to the institution that address the immediate needs of administrators and practitioners; and,
- Structured, cross-collaborative learning with institutional partners from across the higher education landscape.
“As part of the First Scholars Network, Becker College is assured a place at the table with a strong network of higher education partners driving national change and advancing success outcomes for first-generation students” offered Dr. Kevin Kruger, president of NASPA.
To learn more about First Scholars and the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.
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Becker College is an undergraduate and graduate, career-focused private college, providing a supportive and inclusive learning community that prepares graduates for their first to last careers. Nearly 1,700 students from the United States and around the world live and learn on the College’s Worcester and Leicester campuses. With nationally recognized programs in nursing, game design, and animal studies, Becker has been consistently ranked as a “Best College” for undergraduate education by The Princeton Review. For more information, go to www.becker.edu.
NASPA—Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education is the leading association for the advancement, health, and
sustainability of the student affairs profession. Its work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. Visit naspa.org for more information.
The Center for First-generation Student Success is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. Through four strategic priority areas, the Center drives higher education innovation and advocacy for first-generation student success.