DMACC joins network of universities collaborating for first-gen student support

Des Moines Area Community College is recommitting itself to supporting first-generation college students with its admittance to the FirstGen Forward Network, an organization built to aid universities in creating the infrastructure and resources needed to support students who are the first in their family to attend college.

The community college announced in a news release it was one of 60 colleges and universities across the U.S. chosen to join the national network of nearly 500 institutions, including Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, Drake University and Luther College.

“Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member is both an honor and a call to action,” said Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward, in the release. “DMACC joins a growing movement of institutions committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed.”

According to the release, DMACC’s membership to the network will allow the college access to national workshops, peer learning groups and other opportunities for collaboration and development that share a goal of first-generation student success.

DMACC currently offers guidance and support in areas of financial aid, academic retention and career readiness, the release stated. More than half of the college’s student body identified as first-generation in the 2024-2025 school year.

First-generation students make up 54 percent of college enrollees in the U.S., according to the FirstGen Forward Network, which reflects the DMACC student body exactly.

“This program allows DMACC to continue our student-centered focus on increasing the success of Iowans who are excited to enter their career fields and become engaged members of the workforce,” said Wesley Harris, DMACC coordinator of student access and success, in the release.

This story first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch.