St. John Fisher University Selected to Join FirstGen Forward Network

St. John Fisher University is among one of 60 colleges and universities selected to join the 2025-2026 cohort of the FirstGen Forward Network, marking its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

The Network, hosted by FirstGen Forward, is designed to help institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and co-curricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures.

“We are pleased to welcome St. John Fisher University into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that Fisher is not only committed to supporting first-generation students, but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive.”

Institutions join the Network through a competitive application process. The 2025-26 cohort officially began their journey during the FirstGen Forward Virtual Kickoff in June. During the first year, Network members will engage in monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community. Members can progress to Network Leader status and ultimately achieve Network Champion designation by demonstrating a measurable impact and sustained commitment to the success of first-generation students.

“St. John Fisher University was founded to serve first-generation students, and we have stayed true to that mission throughout our history,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the University. “We are honored to be selected to join the FirstGen Forward Network and strengthening the ways in which we support our first-generation students.”

In alignment with its founding mission, the University enrolls hundreds of first-generation students each year who benefit from the Fisher Edge, which integrates individualized academic pathways and career exploration with team-based advising to ensure student success.

A flagship initiative among Fisher’s efforts in supporting first-generation students is the Fannie and Sam Constantino First-Generation Scholarship Program. Each year, the scholarship is given to 24 qualified high school students who exhibit a high degree of motivation and academic potential, and whose parents did not graduate from a four-year college or university. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, the program has provided more than $27 million in financial assistance to more than 700 Fisher students. Beyond the financial support, the program also brings the cohort of scholars together for yearlong programming in their first year, sparking their passion for civic engagement through community service; honing leadership skills; and introducing them to faculty and staff across campus dedicated to their academic and cocurricular support.

The University can also support 175 students each year through TRIO Student Support Services and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). TRIO supports first-generation college students, students from low-income households, and students with disabilities through academic and personal support, tutoring, graduate school and career preparation, opportunities for professional development, financial literacy, and connections to resources on campus and within the community. CSTEP supports students underrepresented in select STEM, health-related professions, and New York State licensed professions by providing academic, career, and personal support; funding for research, professional conferences, and career-related experiences; graduate entrance exam test preparation; and workshops to help navigate the college experience and beyond.

Fisher also recognizes all of its first-generation students with an annual, weeklong series of speakers, workshops, and celebrations around First-Generation College Celebration Day.

For more information about the University, visit sjf.edu. For further information on the First-Generation Committee at Fisher, email co-chairs Rene Montedoro at rmontedoro@sjf.edu and Tim Madigan at tmadigan@sjf.edu.