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  • Baker College Earns National Recognition for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success: Selected for inclusion in the FirstGen Forward Network
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In the News

Baker College Earns National Recognition for Commitment to First-Generation Student Success: Selected for inclusion in the FirstGen Forward Network

September 5, 2025
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Royal Oak, MI – FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced Baker College as one of sixty new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, Baker College displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network as one of twelve member institutions in the state of Michigan.,” said Dr. Jacqui Spicer, Baker College President and CEO. “Our commitment to first-generation student success is rooted in our belief that higher education should be accessible, inclusive, and transformative. We are dedicated to creating pathways of support that empower first-gen students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”

For the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 25% of Baker College students identified as first-generation. Among them, more than half of our residence hall students and more than a quarter of our health science students reported being first-generation. Baker supports these students through intentional programming—including the First-Gen Speaker Series, community meet-ups, and National First-Generation Week each November, to celebrate the unique strengths first-generation students bring to our community.

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase framework designed to help institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and co-curricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures. Since its launch, 489 institutions—including two statewide systems—have joined the Network, spanning 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are pleased to welcome Baker College into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that Baker College is 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.”

Institutions join the Network through a competitive application process. During the first year, Network Members engage in monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community. 

Members can progress to Network Leader status and ultimately achieve Network Champion designation by demonstrating a measurable impact and sustained commitment to the success of first-generation students. 

“Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member is both an honor and a call to action,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward. “Baker College joins a growing movement of institutions and professionals who are committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed. We look forward to seeing Baker College and the entire Class of 2025 make a lasting impact.”

The 2025-26 Network Members officially began their journey during the FirstGen Forward Virtual Kickoff on June 5, 2025. To view a complete list of the institutions or to learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit firstgenforward.org.

FirstGen Forward—formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success—works to accelerate the success of first-generation students in education, career, and life. Through strategic partnerships with higher education institutions, philanthropy, business, government, and individual advocates, we strive to close completion gaps and expand post-college opportunities. Our vision is a future where every first-generation student earns a postsecondary credential, accesses career and life opportunities that reflect their talents and training, and contributes their skills and leadership to strengthen communities around the world.

Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more about first-generation efforts, and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram. 

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