Selected for the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2026
Graham, NC (07/17,2026) - FirstGen Forward, announced Alamance Community College as a new member to the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2026. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, Alamance Community College displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network institution reflects Alamance Community College’s commitment to supporting the success of our first-generation students. We are excited to build on the work already underway to strengthen student support, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure every first-generation student has the opportunity to thrive. ”
ACC’s Adam Wade, Associate Vice President, Advising and Onboarding.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. With the new class, the Network includes more than 500 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 48 states and the District of Columbia.
“We are excited to welcome Alamance Community College to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina A. Martin, vice president at FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, Alamance Community College demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students—backed by a willingness to align strategy, data, and campus-wide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”
In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on August 20, 2026. As a Network Member, Alamance Community College’s interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.
After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data-sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as FirstGen Forward Network Champions.
“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion," said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward. "FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another—sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale. Alamance Community College is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the Class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment. I know Alamance Community College will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”
To learn more about first-generation efforts at Alamance Community College reach out to Shawn Guy, Ed.D. Director, TRiO Student Support Services at slguy346@alamancecc.edu
To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgenforward.org.
ABOUT FIRSTGEN FORWARD
FirstGen Forward is the center for first-generation student success–your premier source
for evidence-based approaches, data-informed strategies, professional development,
and research. Together, we are building community and belonging through the FirstGen
Forward Network, knowledge creation and evidence-based practices, and thought leadership
and advocacy, transforming higher education and the student success landscape guided
by a first-gen lens.
About Alamance Community College
Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students
annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs.
Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development
for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility,
and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers
learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.