Bergen Community College

PARAMUS, N.J. – Bergen Community College has partnered with FirstGen Forward, a first-generation college student advocacy nonprofit, to collaborate on initiatives focused on improving student outcomes through data-informed strategies and research. The organization selected Bergen as one of its next collaborator colleges based on the institution’s extensive history of serving first-generation students and developing innovative resources to support them. More than 500 colleges work with FirstGen Forward across the United States.

“We are excited to welcome Bergen Community College to the FirstGen Forward Network,” Martina A. Martin, FirstGen Forward vice president said. “Throughout the application process, Bergen 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.”

According to FirstGen, more than 8.2 million of the nation’s college students represent the first in their family to enroll in higher education. However, these students graduate at a significantly lower rate than students with family members who attended college, creating an achievement gap that colleges seek to close. Nearly 40 percent of Bergen students who filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) identify as “first generation,” according to Bergen President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D.

“Community college student journeys are unique and varied,” he said. “Many juggle familial responsibilities, employment and financial challenges while pursuing their dream of earning a college education. Navigating their enrollment can become all the more complicated when considering many are the first in their families to attend college. That’s why I look forward to working with FirstGen and other partner colleges to discuss how we can continue to improve our resources that respond to the unique needs of first-generation students.”

As part of the no-cost FirstGen network, Bergen will work with the organization and other colleges to identify strategies for enhancing the first-generation student experience. FirstGen sponsors a virtual kickoff event for new member colleges to network and share information before hosting monthly calls to discuss strategies for professional development, strategic planning and goal-setting. Bergen will begin its participation in the FirstGen network in August. Vice President of Student Affairs A.J. Trump, Ed.D., will lead Bergen’s collaboration efforts with FirstGen.

“Through this partnership, Bergen will continue advancing strategies that improve student success, increase retention and completion and help first-generation students thrive from enrollment through graduation,” he said. “We’re really excited to get started as a partner.”

To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit firstgenforward.org.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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