Appalachian State University has been named one of 60 higher education institutions to join the 2025–26 class of the FirstGen Forward Network, a national initiative focused on improving outcomes for first-generation college students. The selection recognizes App State’s commitment to supporting these students and provides access to professional development, resources, and a network of peer institutions.
“Being part of this network affirms our commitment and places us in a space where we can both contribute and grow — ensuring that our support for first-generation students is not only sustained but elevated,” said App State Associate Vice Provost for Student Success Shernita Lee. “It positions App State to build on our momentum and refine our programming with intention and innovation.”
The FirstGen Forward Network offers participating schools workshops, networking opportunities, resource-sharing, and recognition for their efforts in advancing first-generation student success. The goal is to help universities create more inclusive environments and improve academic and co-curricular experiences for these students.
“These institutions are not only committed to supporting first-generation students but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive,” said FirstGen Forward Network Vice President Stephanie J. Bannister.
For the fall 2025 semester, Appalachian State enrolls 6,589 first-generation undergraduates, making up 33% of its undergraduate population. Among first-year students, 34% are the first in their families to attend college. At the university’s Hickory campus, more than half of the student body are first-generation college students.
Central to App State’s efforts is the TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) program, which recently secured a five-year $1.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This program serves about 200 students each year by offering services designed to help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students complete their degrees.
“To receive continued funding means that App State’s TRIO program can continue to give students the individual attention they need to successfully navigate the hurdles of a college experience, which can be particularly challenging for first-generation, low-income students,” said TRIO Student Support Services Director Cathia Silver.
She added: “Removing these barriers — which range from a lack of support systems and mentors, to limited knowledge around higher education — increases a student’s self-efficacy, career-readiness and resilience, preparing them to become successful college graduates and contributing members of society.”
Students involved in TRIO SSS have highlighted how workshops help develop essential skills like time management and planning. Junior Daisy Jacqueline Sierra shared that regular meetings with her advisor as well as courses and community events have strengthened her confidence as a first-generation student. “I know I deserve to be here as much as any other student,” she said.
Recent data show that more than half of TRIO SSS participants in GPA-earning courses finished last spring on either the Dean’s or Chancellor’s Lists; two-thirds earned at least a 3.0 GPA for the semester.
“App State is supporting first-generation students by centralizing our efforts and deepening our institutional commitments,” Lee said. “This approach strengthens the sustainability and longevity of our services, while providing clear justification for continued investment in student success.”
She continued: “I’m especially proud of the collaborative work of our Student Success Team, First-Generation Student Support Advisory Board, and the Center for Student Success and Community. Together, they’ve bridged ideas across campus and developed a unified plan to affirm our commitment to first-generation students.”
Student Success at Appalachian State offers various programs including academic advising through its Student Learning Center, TRIO SSS program, As-U-R program, ACCESS Scholarship Program, Career Development Center, College Success Seminar, University Writing Center, and Center for Student Success and Community.
University College oversees general education programs as well as faculty-student support initiatives at App State. All incoming undergraduates participate in University College programming throughout their studies (link).
Appalachian State University enrolls over 21,000 students across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online programs (link). It is part of the University of North Carolina System.
