HCC Southeast campus joins FirstGen Forward Network, earns TIAA Innovation Award

The Houston City College (HCC) Southeast campus has been recognized as a FirstGen Forward Institution by the FirstGen Forward Network and received a TIAA Innovation Award to support initiatives that strengthen outcomes for first-generation college students.

The national recognition announced by FirstGen Forward, a nonprofit organization, recognizes HCC Southeast for demonstrating commitment to improving persistence, completion and long-term success for students who are the first in their families to attend college.

The Southeast campus was also selected for the TIAA Innovation Award to support institutions expanding existing programs or services to reach more first-generation students. It provides $10,000 to support initiatives focused on student success, including advocacy, strengthened wraparound services and building long‑term capacity to serve high‑need populations.

“This recognition of our work is what drives Houston City College’s mission to change lives through educational opportunities for those seeking to advance, no matter what their financial or family circumstances,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “We hope to expand this recognition across our entire college system.”

The college won the recognition through a competitive application process. “Houston City College Southeast demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing first-generation student success,” said Dr. Martina Martin, vice president at FirstGen Forward. “We are pleased to welcome the college into the FirstGen Forward Network.”

Membership includes participation in a year-long engagement focused on professional development, peer learning and nationwide institutional collaboration to advance first-generation student success. More than half of undergraduate students identify as first-generation, underscoring the importance of strategies to promote retention, completion and economic support.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate higher education without a clear roadmap,” said Frances Villagran-Glover, D.A., HCC Southeast president. “This recognition affirms our commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening the support systems that help first-generation students and their families succeed.”

For more information about FirstGen Forward and the TIAA Innovation Award, visit firstgenforward.org.