NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fisk University has been selected as one of five higher education institutions nationwide to receive a TIAA Innovation Award from FirstGen Forward, a national organization dedicated to advancing the success of first-generation college students.
The award includes $10,000 in unrestricted funding to support innovative programs and initiatives designed to improve outcomes for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
“We are extremely honored to be selected for a TIAA Innovation Award,” said Dr. Dametraus Jaggers, executive director of student success at Fisk University.
Fisk received funding through the award’s “Creative” pathway, which recognizes institutions developing original approaches to addressing the unique challenges faced by first-generation students.
The university plans to use the award to support its Bulldog B.O.N.D.S. Academy, a comprehensive initiative designed to help first-generation students successfully transition to college life. The program includes early move-in opportunities, academic and co-curricular experiences, strengths-based advising, and specialized training for residence life staff.
University officials said the program is intended to foster a strong sense of belonging while providing students with the support and resources needed to thrive both academically and personally.
“With 54 percent of current undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, achieving unprecedented first-gen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce, and life success for the families of graduates,” said Dr. Stephanie Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward.
“Fisk University has displayed a commitment to creating solutions that advance the success of their first-generation students, and their selection as a recipient of a TIAA Innovation Award is a recognition of their efforts to date and their future success,” Bannister added.
The TIAA Innovation Award supports institutions through two funding pathways. The “Scalable” pathway helps colleges expand successful existing programs to serve more students, while the “Creative” pathway encourages the development of new and innovative strategies to enhance student success.
As part of the award program, Fisk and the other recipients will document their initiatives, establish measurable outcomes, and share results through reports that will be published by FirstGen Forward. Award recipients will also have opportunities to present their work at national conferences and other higher education events.
Laura Turner, head of community impact at TIAA, said the organization is proud to support efforts that help first-generation students achieve long-term success.
“TIAA proudly supports the outstanding work of FirstGen Forward and higher education professionals who are shaping the futures of millions of first-generation students with their creative support solutions,” Turner said. “Many of us at TIAA are first-generation college students ourselves, and we know how a bachelor’s degree can lead to a more secure financial future, including a financially secure retirement.”
FirstGen Forward serves as a national resource for colleges and universities seeking evidence-based strategies to improve first-generation student success. Through research, professional development, and a network of higher education institutions, the organization works to advance opportunities for students who are often the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
