First-Generation Celebration Week takes place November 2-6. The annual event honors the contributions, resilience and achievements of first-generation college students (those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree). 

 

The road to college can be bumpy and challenging for students, but for those whose parents have not received a bachelor’s degree, it can be littered with even more obstacles. These first-generation students blaze their own path to and through college, often with little guidance. 

At Davenport, these trailblazing students don’t have to go it alone. The university has developed a robust system of support for its first-generation students, helping them thrive in college and earn a degree. And statistics at Davenport show it works.

Research shows that first-gen students face significant challenges that often lead to lower graduation rates than their peers. Specifically, FirstGen Forward and BestColleges report that only 24% to 26% of first-generation college students earn a bachelor’s degree, compared to roughly 59% to 82% of continuing-generation students.

That’s why Jodi Hicks, Davenport University’s Director of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness,  and others at Davenport created the university’s First-Gen Success Initiative in 2020 to help first-gen students reach their full potential. 

For Hicks, supporting first-generation students isn’t just part of her job; it’s personal. “I am so passionate about helping and supporting students so they reach their goals,” she said. “The first-gen program makes a meaningful impact on the current students we have, but it also inspires their families and friends to reach their goals.”

In the six years since the program’s inception, an increasing number of participating students have benefited from the targeted support, shown improvement and progressed toward graduation. 

“We have so many resources at Davenport, in addition to the First-Generation Student Success Initiative, to help students succeed,” said Hicks. “If a student has the will and makes the effort, they really can be successful.” 

Davenport’s First-Generation Peer Mentor Program, now active on all Davenport campuses, strengthens relationships among students traveling the same path. It pairs first-generation students with peer mentors who provide guidance on navigating college life, coursework and accessing essential resources. It has proven to reduce student stress, build community and create a supportive environment that empowers first-generation students to thrive. According to Hicks, from Fall 24 to Fall 25, the retention rate of mentees was 78% compared to 56% for those who chose not to participate. 

Fairly new to the First-Gen Success Initiative is the Tri-Alpha Honor Society, which recognizes its members for academic excellence and identifies them as individuals of superior academic ability and commitment to potential employers and graduate schools. 

“Since its introduction in 2025, Davenport’s chapter already has over 300 members, which is incredible,” said Hicks. 

First-generation students who have completed at least three full-time terms of study at Davenport and meet GPA requirements (3.2 for undergraduate students and 3.5 for graduate students) are eligible for induction into Tri-Alpha Honor Society. 

One student positively impacted by the first-gen program is Julie Lian. “Being first-gen and being inducted into the Tri-Alpha Honor Society means a lot to my family and me,” Lian said. “It’s especially meaningful because I came to the United States when I was 10 years old with no education. Now I’m a role model to people at home. Because I’m succeeding, they know they can do it too.”  

Additional supports available to first-gen students include academic coaching, study skills and time management training, workshops, speakers and internship referrals. 

Hicks feels strongly that every student deserves the chance to reach their goals and become who they want to be. “We have so many first-gen students who are thriving at Davenport, and they are perfect examples that anything is possible if one believes in their own abilities and is willing to put in the effort to succeed,” she said.