STC Recognized for Commitment to Improving Experiences for First-Generation Students

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Southeast Technical College was recently selected as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24, by The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation.

Southeast Tech was selected for its demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a First Scholars Network Member by the Center for First-Generation Student Success,” said Marcella Prokop, Director of Access and Workforce Opportunity at STC.

The First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that allows institutions of higher education to advance student success through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources, and establishing peer networks. More than 350 higher-ed institutions have entered the network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“The Center is pleased to welcome Southeast Technical College into the First Scholars Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with the Center for First-Generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that Southeast Technical College is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”

In the first phase of the First Scholars Network, STC participated in the First Scholars Network Virtual Kick-off in June. As a Network Member, faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.

After successful completion of the Network Member phase, STC will progress to the second phase, First-Gen Forward, after which it is eligible to become a First Scholars Institution. First Scholars is the third phase of the First Scholars Network and serves as the Center’s customized approach to intentional institutional transformation in an effort to advance student outcomes. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a First Scholars Champion Campus.

“Being named as a Network Member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting opportunity for Southeast Technical College to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2023 Network Members and know Southeast Tech will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at STC, visit https://www.southeasttech.edu/student-life/access-workforce-opportunity.php.  To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

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ABOUT SOUTHEAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Southeast Tech is a career-focused learning environment for determined students who expect a life-changing education that gets results. Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success, and more than 65 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and stand-alone courses that provide pathways to professional accomplishment utilizing skills-relevant facilities and Sioux Falls as an extended classroom. Southeast Tech is a smart investment for students to launch their in-demand, technical careers in two years or less. Learn more about Southeast Tech at www.southeasttech.edu.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT SUCCESS

The Center is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students. The Center aims to acknowledge the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. It offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences, and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.

ABOUT NASPA

NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs and is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of its institutional members—a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education.

Media Coverage

• KELO - Southeast Tech expanding efforts to support first-generation students
• Sioux Falls Simplified - How Southeast Tech is helping first-generation students