The University of Arizona receives TIAA Innovation Award from FirstGen Forward

Tucson, AZ (May 1, 2025 Date) - FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced The University of Arizona as one of five (5) higher education institutions to receive an inaugural TIAA Innovation Award. The award, provided by FirstGen Forward with support from TIAA, will support new or existing programs, services, or initiatives that implement creative approaches to enhancing campus-wide success for first-generation students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected for a TIAA Innovation Award,” said Dr. Michelle McKelvey, Senior Director of the Thrive Center.  “Research tells us that creating a collaborative and cohesive experience for students, particularly first-gen students has a positive impact on their overall university experience and success. We are excited to utilize this funding to integrate first-gen focused programming during the University of Arizona’s Destination Arizona (DAZ) program.” Dr. Christine Salvesen, Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Retention Innovation added, “One of the guiding frameworks for our area is supporting the educational advancement of first-generation students, I am thrilled that we can continue to expand this work, encourage collaboration and provide a more seamless experience for our first-gen students.”

The TIAA Innovation Award provides institutions with $10,000 in unrestricted funds to apply to first-generation student success initiatives in one of two pathways:

• The “Scalable” pathway provides funds to expand and adapt existing programs, services, or initiatives to support a larger number of first-generation students across the campus without compromising quality or effectiveness. This involves designing solutions that can be efficiently scaled up to meet increasing demand, ensuring that the benefits of innovative approaches to enhancing first-generation student success can be extended to a broader audience. Scalability ensures that as the program grows, it continues to provide meaningful support and positive outcomes for all first-generation students.
• The “Creative” pathway provides funds to generate original and innovative ideas that enhance campus-wide success for first-generation students. This involves thinking outside the box to develop unique programs, services, or initiatives that address first-generation students’ specific needs and challenges. Creativity ensures that solutions are not only effective but engaging and inspiring, fostering a dynamic and supportive campus environment that encourages academic and personal growth.

The University of Arizona’s award falls in the Creative pathway and will allow the institution to improve the transition to college for first-gen students, help them navigate campus, get answers to their big questions and cover large-scale topics of importance. The program will collaborative across multiple departments to make sure that student overarching needs are being addressed as opposed to highlighting individual resources and offices. 

“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,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “The University of Arizona 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 both a recognition of their efforts to date and future success.”

All TIAA Innovation Award recipients will author an award brief detailing their efforts, including the establishment of learning outcomes, success metrics, and initial results of their programs, services, or initiatives. The award briefs will be compiled into a summary and published on the FirstGen Forward website. Additionally, award recipients will be encouraged to present and elevate their work at high-profile conferences supported by FirstGen Forward.

“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,” said Laura Turner, Head of Community Impact with TIAA. “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.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at The University of Arizona visit The Thrive Center.  To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the TIAA Innovation Award, visit firstgenforward.org.

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ABOUT FIRSTGEN FORWARD
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, accelerates success for first-generation students in education, career, and life through collaborations with higher education, philanthropy, business, government, and individuals to eliminate the completion gap and broaden post-college opportunities. Our vision is a future in which first-generation students obtain postsecondary credentials; access opportunities commensurate with their skills, education, and training; and maximize their service to people and communities throughout the world.

ABOUT TIAA
TIAA is a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It is the #1 not-for-profit retirement market provider,¹ paid more than $5.7 billion in lifetime income to retired clients in 2023 and has $1.4 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024).²

1. As of July 21, 2022. Based on data in PLANSPONSOR's 403(b) 2022 DC Recordkeeping Survey, combined 457 and 403(b) data.
2. As of December 31, 2024 assets under management across Nuveen Investments affiliates and TIAA investment management teams are $1,387 billion.