First-generation college student DeAnna Capaldi, BS ’27, remembers how overwhelmed she felt applying to colleges. She spent hours reviewing articles and TikToks, attending virtual information sessions and campus visits, and doing as much research as she could to make sure she was prepared for her next four years.

When it came down to making a decision about where to go to school, it was the support she received from Saint Joseph’s University that sealed the deal. 

“I wanted to go somewhere I felt supported, and the resources St. Joe’s provided really validated my decision,” says the now-president of SJU’s chapter of Tri-Alpha, the first-generation college student honor society.

There are hundreds of first-generation students like Capaldi who have received support from Saint Joseph’s throughout their higher education journeys. This August, in recognition of the University’s commitment to advancing the success and experiences of first-generation college students, the University was named a member of the FirstGen Forward Network.

The nonprofit works to accelerate the success of first-generation college students in their education, careers and lives. Saint Joseph’s is one of 60 new members to join the network of now 489 member colleges and universities nationwide, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are honored to have been selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” says Elizabeth Lee, PhD, associate professor and assistant dean for internships and experiential learning at Saint Joseph’s. ”Our membership not only affirms our existing efforts to support first-generation students but it also reinforces our commitment to expanding our resources in the years ahead.”

Network membership helps institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and co-curricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures. Members engage in monthly workshops, peer-learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community.

“Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network member is both an honor and a call to action,” says Kevin Kruger, PhD, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward. “SJU joins a growing movement of institutions and professionals who are committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed.”

First-generation college students, or students whose parents or guardians did not attend a four-year institution themselves, often experience obstacles when applying to or enrolling in college. Parents may not be able to offer guidance on things like preparing for the SATs, applying for financial aid, or adjusting study habits for college simply because they haven’t experienced these life events themselves.

“Often, first-gen students feel like, ‘Oh, everyone else seems to know what’s going on,’ without realizing that backstage, they're getting advice from family and friends,” says Lee.