Fairmont State University receives grant from West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission for first-generation college student success initiatives

Fairmont State University has received a $16,000 grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to support first-generation college students as they navigate their college experience. The WVHEPC’s First-Generation Student Success Grant will help the university establish the First-Gen Falcons: Carnival of Belonging and Success initiative, which will feature a series of events, workshops, mentoring opportunities, and general opportunities to promote connectedness between first-generation students and between the students and the campus community as a whole. The initiative will begin with a carnival event in November and other events will follow throughout the academic year.

According to an article on Fairmont State University’s website, Lauren Pearson, who serves as the university’s Datha & Gene Smith Fellowship Coordinator, was quoted as saying of the grant, “We are incredibly grateful to WVHEPC for awarding us the First-Generation Grant. We’ve already seen the positive impact of first-gen programming through students in the Datha & Gene Smith Fellowship program, whose growth and engagement have been truly inspiring. This opportunity allows us to continue supporting and empowering first-generation college students, and we’re so excited to build on this momentum.”

The First-Gen Falcons: Carnival of Belonging and Success initiative was developed by Pearson and Janna Bredeson, Ph.D., the university’s Vice President of Student Affairs. The team developed the ideas for the initiative through research and a mind for equity to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed in a college environment. As part of the initiative, Pearson and Bredeson plan to launch a First-Gen Student Advisory Board, a First-Gen Mentors peer network, and a student zine for first-generation students.

Bredeson said, “At Fairmont State, we want every first-generation student to know they belong here and that their goals are within reach. Through First-Gen Falcons: Carnival of Belonging and Success, we’re creating experiences that build confidence, spark connections, and celebrate their unique journeys. Our hope is that students leave each event feeling seen, supported, and inspired to make the most of every opportunity on campus and beyond.”

For more information about Fairmont State University, visit the school’s website.