LEADING THE WAY

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the commitment to supporting first-generation students is more than an idea; it’s a movement. These learners, often the first in their families to attend college, face unique challenges, from navigating financial aid to building a sense of belonging. Over the past year, SNHU has redoubled its efforts to create a supportive and empowering environment for first-gen students, building on its recognition as a First-Gen Forward Institution.

SNHU is heading into its second year in the First-Gen Forward Network, a national initiative bringing together 350 colleges and universities to share strategies and innovations for first-generation student success. Through regional meetings and collaborative engagements, SNHU colleagues, including Senior Director of Campus Student Retention and Success Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski and Associate Dean of First-Year Experience, General Education, and Retention Strategies Dr. James Winfield, connected with peer institutions across New England to exchange best practices and scale impactful initiatives.

This engagement has driven tangible outcomes at SNHU, including the creation of SMART goals that enhance faculty and staff training, provide personalized student outreach, and strengthen first-gen learners’ sense of belonging and navigation skills. SNHU also contributed to the national conversation by authoring blogs about its innovative programs, such as its approach to online first-gen student support.

In a meaningful step toward empowering first-gen learners, SNHU launched a pre-matriculation program on campus last fall designed to equip students with the tools to succeed before their first semester begins. Through hands-on workshops in financial literacy, time management, and navigating university systems, this program provided essential skills and boosted students’ confidence in their first year.

The program also offered opportunities for students to build peer connections and relationships with advisors and staff, creating a supportive community even before classes began. One student shared, “I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know until this program. It helped me feel prepared, and I met people who made me feel like I belong here.”

In November 2024, SNHU proudly honored National First-Generation Celebration Week with events that showcased the resilience and achievements of its first-gen students. A highlight was SNHU hosting the 12th annual First Gen Summit, with support from the Davis Educational Foundation. The event brought together more than 250 students, faculty, and staff from colleges and universities across the country, including William & Mary, Salem State, North Shore Community College, and University of California, Riverside.

The summit spotlighted SNHU’s vibrant first-gen community and left a positive impression on attendees—especially current SNHU junior, Silvonna Silvestre.

“It was a powerful experience and so inspiring to connect with other first-gen learners and share our stories. SNHU’s commitment to first-gen learners, exemplified by events like the summit, has been crucial to my success,” Silvonna shared. “It made me realize I’m not alone in this journey.”

For Alphie Mahkee, a first-generation Native American student set to graduate in Spring 2025, the resources and support at SNHU have been transformative.

“Growing up on the reservation, being first-gen means doing something your family has never done before. It’s about setting higher expectations and fighting against the struggles we’ve faced,” said Alphie.

Alphie highlighted the role of staff members like Lynn Zlotkowski, who provided unwavering support during challenging times.

“SNHU has been patient with what I didn’t know—whether it was financial aid or building a plan to succeed,” said Alphie. “The staff noticed when I was struggling and stepped in to help. I probably wouldn’t have succeeded as much as I have without their support.”

The resources available through initiatives like the First-Gen Summit, Alphie said, provided clarity and confidence.

“It’s nice to know first-gen students have access to so many resources,” said Alphie. “Knowing I’m someone my cousins can look up to makes me proud.”

Understanding and addressing the unique needs of first-generation students requires deliberate and thoughtful action. Over the past year, SNHU has focused on enhancing data collection efforts to more effectively identify first-generation learners. By utilizing surveys and updating internal systems, the university has greatly improved its ability to identify these students and develop tailored support to help them thrive.

Future efforts include the exploration of more opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement, personalized outreach, and understanding the unique experiences of the student journey. There is special interest in supporting the various intersections of the first-gen identity like Latinx and Black learners.

SNHU’s commitment to first-generation learners continues to yield impressive results. From the most recent reporting, retention rates for first-gen students on campus increased by 11% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023—a testament to the university’s targeted efforts.

Lynn Zlotkowski, a passionate advocate for first-gen students, envisions SNHU as a leader in this space.

“I want SNHU to be a destination for first-gen students. I want them to know that if they come to SNHU, they will be seen, they will be celebrated, and they will be supported,” she shared.

Looking to the future, The President Paul J. LeBlanc First-Generation Scholarship Fund—established in honor of former SNHU president Dr. Paul LeBlanc—represents a significant step forward in addressing the #1 barrier to retention for first-gen students: financial challenges. With $219,000 raised during its initial campaign, the fund is poised to provide meaningful support to both campus and online students starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

The scholarship will offer direct financial aid, easing the burden for students who might otherwise struggle to persist in their academic journey. This initiative underscores SNHU’s long-term commitment to making higher education accessible for first-generation learners.

The fund remains open for contributions at any time. Each donation, no matter the size, directly supports first-generation learners and amplifies SNHU’s mission to create opportunities for all. To honor Dr. LeBlanc’s legacy and invest in the next generation of first-gen students, you can donate by visiting alumni.snhu.edu/first-gen.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I know that college is not a given for everyone, and I feel the responsibility to be sure that it is. That’s why I’m a proud donor to The President Paul J. LeBlanc First-Generation Scholarship,” shared President Lisa Marsh Ryerson.

As SNHU continues to expand its initiatives, from pre-matriculation programs to centralized resource hubs, the university is forging a path where first-generation students can thrive. The collective efforts of faculty, staff, and donors demonstrate that when first-gen learners succeed, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

As a student panelist shared during the First-Gen Summit, “We’re not alone in this journey.” SNHU continues to demonstrate that a united and purposeful community can unlock boundless opportunities for first-generation learners.