The Suder Foundation has announced a $10 million commitment to the Center for First-generation Student Success.

Established in 2017 in partnership with NASPA, with a $7.5 million investment from the foundation, the center provides data, tools, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities to provide first-generation students with comprehensive, asset-based support and assistance to advance academic, personal, and professional outcomes. The foundation’s new investment will support the center across four strategic priorities: grow the first scholars network by codifying the delivery model; influence the broader field by developing and promoting original research; build internal capacity by adding key staff positions, developing internal systems to support growth, and increasing fundraising capacity to sustain the work over time; and transition to a long-term governance model that enable the center to thrive for decades to come.

Over the next five years, the center will expand its First Scholars Network to partner with 750 colleges and universities, with the goal of raising first-generation graduation rates by 10 percent to 15 percent at participating institutions.

“We believe in the lifelong potential of first-gen college students, and we believe in the power of higher education institutions to help create transformational change to better serve their needs,” said Suder Foundation founder and board chair Eric Suder. “This investment reaffirms our commitment to the vision and leadership of the Center and NASPA to significantly expand their impact to benefit more first-generation students.”

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