Biola University has once again been recognized by the FirstGen Forward Network, a national organization focused on 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. 

image shows the FirstGen Scholars incoming students
The newest students of the FirstGen Scholars program

“Meeting the milestones of being a FirstGen Forward Network institution speaks to the unwavering commitment to FirstGen students by members of our Biola community,” said Kimberly Edwards, director of the office of Student Enrichment and Intercultural Development (SEID). “Many of our campus partners have volunteered at events, served as mentors, facilitated workshops, provided supportive leadership and continuously celebrated and recognized our FirstGen students and their unique academic and personal journeys.”

With 54% of currently enrolled undergraduate students in the U.S. identifying as first-generation, institutional leaders including those at Biola are increasingly prioritizing first-generation success, recognizing it as critical to their overall success. First-generation college students are the first in their family to pursue and earn a college degree.

This Fall 2024 semester, Biola has enrolled 784 students identifying as first-generation, with 672 working toward an undergraduate degree, 77 earning master’s degrees and nine pursuing their doctorate. First-generation college students make up 21% of Biola’s undergraduate student body. Biola’s FirstGen Scholars program, a scholarship program designed specifically for students who are the first in their family to attend college, launched in 2016 with 28 students. Today, the program serves over 100 students. This is the fourth year that Biola has earned FirstGen Forward Network recognition.

“The FirstGen team has demonstrated a commitment to providing robust programming and wrap-around services to support FirstGen students in their journey at Biola. It's encouraging to be recognized for these efforts for four consecutive years,” said Edwards.

On November 7, Biola celebrated National FirstGen Day, observed on November 8, to highlight the progress and accomplishments of all FirstGen students alongside ​​hundreds of other higher education institutions as well as nonprofits and K-12 schools. The theme of Biola’s celebration focused on “stones of remembrance” mentioned in the Bible.

“Our theme this year is centered around ‘stones of remembrance’ in Joshua 4 or ‘stones of help’ in 1 Samuel 7,” explained Carla Logie, assistant director of SEID and FirstGen programs. “In 1 Samuel 7 the Israelites had become disobedient and were no longer asking God for help but God once again showed his faithfulness and help in time of need to His people. 1 Samuel 7:12 says ‘Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ We chose this theme to remind FirstGen students at Biola to remember the Lord as their great helper. He has brought them this far in their journey at Biola and will continue to show His faithfulness wherever He leads them now and beyond Biola!”

The celebratory lunch included not only Biola students, but also highlighted faculty and staff members who identify as first-generation college students.

As a FirstGen Forward Institution, Biola’s FirstGen program coordinators will continue to receive professional development, community-building experiences and receive first-look access to new FirstGen Forward reports to advance knowledge on first-generation student success.

“Biola supports FirstGen students through programs and resources such as Summer Bridge, FirstGen Scholars Program, Peer Mentorship, community events, and monthly curated newsletters,” said Logie. “In all that we do, we seek to cultivate community and bridge support to campus resources for first-generation college students to thrive on Biola's campus!”

Learn more about the FirstGen program at Biola.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.