Biola University has once again been recognized by the , a national organization focused on engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. 

image shows the FirstGen Scholars incoming students
The newest students of the FirstGen Scholars program

“Meeting the milestones of being a FirstGen Forward Network institution speaks to the unwavering commitment to FirstGen students by members of our Biola community,” said Kimberly Edwards, director of the office of Student Enrichment and Intercultural Development (SEID). “Many of our campus partners have volunteered at events, served as mentors, facilitated workshops, provided supportive leadership and continuously celebrated and recognized our FirstGen students and their unique academic and personal journeys.”

With 54% of currently enrolled undergraduate students in the U.S. identifying as first-generation, institutional leaders including those at Biola are increasingly prioritizing first-generation success, recognizing it as critical to their overall success. First-generation college students are the first in their family to pursue and earn a college degree.

This Fall 2024 semester, Biola has enrolled 784 students identifying as first-generation, with 672 working toward an undergraduate degree, 77 earning master’s degrees and nine pursuing their doctorate. First-generation college students make up 21% of Biola’s undergr