NASHVILLE, TN — Fisk University was selected as one of five institutions to receive the TIAA Innovation Award from FirstGen Forward. The award provides $10,000 in unrestricted funds for initiatives supporting first-generation students.

FirstGen Forward provides the TIAA Innovation Award with support from TIAA. The award offers funding through a "Scalable" pathway or a "Creative" pathway, with Fisk University's award falling in the Creative pathway.

Dr. Dametraus Jaggers, Executive Director of Student Success at Fisk University, said, "We are extremely honored to be selected for a TIAA Innovation Award." The university implements the Bulldog B.O.N.D.S. Academy, a student-centered initiative designed to help first-generation students transition into college. This academy includes an early move-in option, integrated academic and co-curricular experiences, strengths-based advising, and specialized training for residence life staff.

Dr. Stephanie Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward, said, "With 54% of current undergraduate students identifying as first-generation, achieving unprecedented first-gen student success will have a life-changing impact across generations, as college completion is a significant contributor to education, workforce, and life success for the families of graduates." Bannister added, "Fisk University has displayed a commitment to creating solutions that advance the success of their first-generation students, and their selection as a recipient of a TIAA Innovation Award is a recognition of their efforts to date and their future success."

Laura Turner, Head of Community Impact at TIAA, said, "TIAA proudly supports the outstanding work of FirstGen Forward and higher education professionals who are shaping the futures of millions of first-generation students with their creative support solutions." Turner also said, "Many of us at TIAA are first-generation college students ourselves, and we know how a bachelor's degree can lead to a more secure financial future, including a financially secure retirement."

Award recipients must author an award brief detailing their efforts, which includes learning outcomes, success metrics, and initial results. These briefs will be compiled into a summary and published on the FirstGen Forward website. Recipients are also encouraged to present their work at conferences supported by FirstGen Forward.