Carleton recognized as a First-Generation Forward Institution

Carleton College is one of 77 colleges and universities nationwide to be recognized as a First-Gen Forward Institution. As a member of the 2020-21 First-Gen Forward Cohort, Carleton is recognized by the Center for First-Generation Student Success for its demonstrated commitment to advancing first-generation student success.

Upwards of 11-13% of Carleton students self-identify as the first generation of their families to attend college. To best improve and enhance first-generation student experiences and outcomes at Carleton, a number of resources have been created and made available to students including: a student-made resource guide Beyond Financial Aid, the creation of a laptop loaner program for those students who may not have the resources to afford one, dedicated emergency funding, a first-generation faculty & staff directory, and a review of access to dining and housing for students whose finances require them to remain on campus during break.

Other areas of support for first-generation students at Carleton include the TRIO/Student Support Services program, which has been funded continuously at Carleton since 1981 and was recently renewed through the 2024-2025 academic year;  QuestBridge, a program that connects talented, under-served students with high-quality education opportunities after high school, as well as the Posse Foundation, which identifies students who have extraordinary academic and leadership potential—and who may have been overlooked by the traditional college selection process—to extend an opportunity for these students to pursue personal achievement and academic excellence.

“First-generation students add an incredible amount of diversity to the student experience,” said Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students Carolyn Livingston. “We are honored to be selected for this recognition. Carleton remains committed to graduating first generation students who continue to make a difference in their community.”

The Center for First-Generation Student Success was created in 2017, with the mission of being the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development, and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. To further its purpose, the Center created First-Generation Forward, the nation’s first recognition program acknowledging higher education institutions for their commitment to first-generation student success. The Center for First-Generation Student Success is an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation.

The full list of First-Gen Forward institutions can be found online.

Learn more about the future of first-generation at Carleton College.