Thrive Center Joins First Forward Cohort

By Patrick Bryan , Thrive Center
July 10, 2019
To: All Campus
From: Thrive Center  Student Success & Retention Innovation 
Subject: Thrive Center Joins First Forward Cohort
Date: Jul 10, 2019

We are excited to announce that the University of Arizona, and the Thrive Center have been invited to join the 2019-2020 First Forward Cohort. First Forward is a national program through the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success designed to recognize institutions that directly support the success of first-generation students. The First Cats program spearheaded the University's effort to earn this recognition. First Forward Institutions are able to create a community of staff who share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation college students.

Through involvement in the First Forward Cohort, the Thrive Center and Student Success & Retention Innovation (SSRI) will be able to:

  • Receive public identification as a First Forward Institution on the Center's website and at select NASPA conferences; 

  • Benefit from deeper engagement in the 16,000+ member NASPA network; 

  • Engage with a broad cohort and regional community of peer institutions willing to 
consult on challenges, share resources and evidence-based practices and celebrate 
program successes; 

  • Be offered professional development that strengthens the campus knowledge base; 

  • Generate institutional-specific feedback through the annual report process; 

  • Develop an institutional feature blog for the Center's website; 

  • Receive first-look access to new Center reports and advance knowledge on first- generation student success; 

  • Have an opportunity to advance to Advisory status after two active years. 


This is a great opportunity for SSRI and the Thrive Center to continue to advance and contribute to the success of first-generation college students. If you would like more information about the Thrive Center or First Cats, please visit the website. 

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