“Huge Accolade for the COOGS” as UH Earns Massive Recognition Of First-Gen Coogs

The influence of first-generation students on college and university campuses is significant. National statistics reveal that over half of U.S. college students are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

At the University of Houston (UH), first-generation students make up 44% of the student body. Their success is supported by various campus programs and resources, along with the mentorship of faculty, staff, and peers.

In recognition of its efforts to assist these students, UH has been accepted into the FirstGen Forward Network. This network includes 429 institutions across the nation dedicated to improving outcomes for first-generation students and supporting their educational paths.

“We take immense pride in being a university with a substantial first-generation student population,” said UH President Renu Khator. “This reflects the essence of the American dream—creating an environment where these students can succeed and climb the economic ladder. This is transformative work.”

The Center for Student Empowerment (CSE), which has supported first-generation students for 30 years, leads UH’s participation in the FirstGen Forward Network. Established in 1994 by Elwyn Lee, UH’s vice president of Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives, the center helps first-gen students upon their arrival at the university.

“This recognition underscores our commitment to first-generation student success,” said Dr. Paul Kittle, UH’s Vice President for Student Affairs. “Joining the FirstGen Forward Network acknowledges the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff and reinforces our dedication to providing the necessary support for these students to excel.”

CSE provides specialized advising, hosts workshops, and connects students with mentors and networking opportunities. Thanks to donor contributions, the center also offers significant scholarships to first-gen students.

“Navigating higher education as a first-generation student has been challenging,” said Omar Castanon, a senior strategic communications major. “However, UH made me feel welcome right from orientation, equipping me with the tools needed for success. Resources like CSE have helped me overcome academic, financial, and personal challenges.”

Testimonies like Castanon’s and UH’s membership in the FirstGen Forward Network affirm the university’s longstanding support for first-generation students, according to Raven Jones, CSE Director.

“This recognition from FirstGen Forward highlights our commitment to empowering first-generation students and showcases the collective efforts of our dedicated team,” Jones said. “We are eager to continue fostering an inclusive environment where all students can succeed.”

Other long-established programs at UH include the Challenger Program, part of the Undergraduate Student Success Center. Founded in 1987, it provides comprehensive academic support tailored to first-generation students, including priority registration, secondary advising, personal counseling, and financial aid guidance. The program also facilitates additional growth opportunities such as internships and study abroad experiences.

Both CSE and the Challenger Program play crucial roles in helping first-generation students transition from high school to university life, addressing challenges like college readiness, family support, financial stability, and campus adjustment.

“When supporting first-generation students, we must offer more than academic help; we need to recognize their unique experiences and challenges,” said Monica Floyd, Director of the Challenger Program.

UH’s support for first-generation students extends across various centers and colleges. Management Information Systems majors Damian Lujan and Ashley Cabrera, both first-generation students from Houston, credit the support they’ve received from the C. T. Bauer College of Business and the Honors College. They emphasize how campus involvement has been crucial to their academic progress.

Sophomore Lujan, who participates in the UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band and serves as an Honors student recruiter, finds that his role has enhanced his presentation skills and confidence. He advises prospective students, especially first-generation ones, to engage with campus resources.

Cabrera, also a first-generation student, highlights the value of her mentors and Honors College information sessions, which helped her navigate her first year and secure a scholarship for study abroad in Seoul, South Korea.

Students like Lujan, Cabrera, and Castanon exemplify the impact of the support available at UH, which serves over 14,000 first-generation students. With its recent induction into the FirstGen Forward Network, UH is poised to offer even greater support to future first-generation students.

“Being named a member of the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for UH to join a community focused on sharing best practices, solving challenges, and advancing first-generation student success nationwide,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We look forward to the contributions of UH and its involvement in this initiative.”