CONCORD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

CONTACT:  Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager
Concord University Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312
nlsmith@concord.edu
www.concord.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2024

CONCORD UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FUNDING FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

ATHENS, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded Concord University $5,000 in support of the First-Generation Committee’s initiatives to empower, celebrate and foster the success of first-generation students.

First-generation students are the first in their families to obtain a four-year degree, and they often face challenges that others may not experience. The majority of first-generation students come from families or households that don’t have the experience of navigating a college environment, have never dealt with a FAFSA application, or had to juggle classes, job and family responsibilities.

The funds will be utilized for implementation of campus-based initiatives, events and a first-generation honor society to address the unique needs of first-generation college students, foster a supportive environment, and promote positive outcomes. The funds will also be used to support the retention of first-generation students and enhance research, evaluation, and data collection strategies to improve institutional first-generation initiatives.

One of the First-Generation Committee initiatives for 2024/2025 includes the upcoming First-Generation week currently being planned on campus from November 4-8, in honor of the National First-Generation College Celebration Day.

Some of the activities will include pop-up help booths, first-generation authors week at the Marsh Library and a personalized rock painting session. The celebration week will end with the film screening of WV First-Generation: Then and Now, a CU documentary produced on campus.

For more information on first-generation student programs, contact Cristina Reagan at 304-384-6216, email cmreagan@concord.edu or the committee at firstgenerationcommittee@mycu.concord.edu

Media inquiries, please contact Nicole Smith at 304-384-6312 or nlsmith@concord.edu.

-CU-

Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus. Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.

Students walking around the campus at Concord University