Wilmington College has a long history of providing the support that leads to the success of its students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Indeed, typically, 40 percent of WC’s undergraduate enrollment on the main campus is comprised of first-generation students.
The FirstGen Forward organization recently recognized WC for its outreach, programming and services that highlight this important cohort of students. As a new member of the FirstGen Forward Network, the College was cited as an institution with a “demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.”
FirstGen Forward, formerly known as the Center for First-Generation Student Success, is the leading source for evidence-based practices, professional development and knowledge-building to support first-generation students in higher education. As a Network member, Wilmington College becomes part of a national movement to scale and sustain this vital work.
Dr. Toycee Hague-Palmer, associate vice president for student affairs and director of WC’s Student Success Center, said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized alongside esteemed institutions from across higher education that collaborate to expand access, exchange knowledge and drive meaningful change for first-generation college students to thrive and succeed. As one of the newest and proudest members of the First-Gen Forward Network, we are excited to create transformative opportunities and are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of our students.”
Since joining the College’s staff in 2024, Hague-Palmer, who was a first-gen student when she attended college, has been dedicated to helping students navigate their transition into college and become successful graduates.
“People cared about me when I started college; they cared about what I was doing and that I had the necessary resources,” Hague-Palmer said. “I had a community of people that made sure I had what I needed.” She is determined that WC’s first-gen students feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie, and that they know where to turn for assistance. As such, she started the DubC First-Gen Club as a first-generation initiative under the Student Success Center. “We want first-gen students to know they are not alone — that they can make it,” she added. “We want them to be confident in who they are and proud to be a first-gen student.”
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.
Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward, noted, “We are pleased to welcome Wilmington College into the FirstGen Forward Network. “Through the application process, it was clear that the 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.