Tag Archives: Dr. Sessi Aboh

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Highlighting Triumphs of First-Generation Students: A Look Back at The You First Project’s Impact

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service — Tennessee State University held its annual First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 6 and 7. Taking place in Clement and the New Residence Hall, the event served as a powerful platform to highlight the courage, achievements, and rich narratives of first-generation students. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to foster connection and inspire pride in their unique journeys through higher education. 

The FGCC sign showcases the events that occurred on Nov. 6 and 7

Established in 2020 through the Title III-FUTURE Act Grant, The You First Project, themed “Graduation Initiatives for First-Generation Students,” is dedicated to enhancing the academic journey of TSU’s first-generation students, as well as provide comprehensive support from admission to graduation. The goal is to ensure that students receive the guidance they need to navigate their college experience. With the help of First-Generation Success Specialists, students learn essential academic requirements, develop their social networks, and discover their purpose in life. 

The celebration featured a variety of engaging events, including Step First! Line Dancing, which fostered community and connection through fun and movement. The Building A Tiger Legacy, an art exhibition that showcased the creativity and inspiration of first-generation students, allowed them to express their unique narratives through art. Another activity, the STIR UP Your Network: Career Mixer, provided students with opportunities to connect directly with industry executives and explore their future career paths with such groups as the United Way of Greater Nashville, HealthTrust Performance, and FUTURO.  

Dr. Sessi Aboh, director of The You First Project, stated, “I hope attendees gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and talent of our first-generation students. This celebration is about recognizing their unique stories and strengths and encouraging them to build connections with their peers as they navigate their professional journeys.” 

Director of The You First Project, Dr. Sessi Aboh, assist students to sign in and receive a name tag.

The celebration aligns seamlessly with the mission of The You First Project, which emphasizes increased campus engagement through organizations like the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the First-Generation Honors Society, and the Trailblazers First-Generation Club. These entities create avenues for students to connect, engage in service opportunities, and build a supportive community. 

Senior psychology major Donyah Thomas from Memphis, Tennessee, reflected on the significance of the celebration: “It means starting something that you’ll be recognized for with generations to come and creating a story that’s uniquely yours. The You First Project has not only shaped me but taught me what it means to be a trailblazer.” 

Junior psychology and education major Makenzie Chambers, also from Memphis, emphasized, “It means that First-Gen students get the opportunity to be recognized and celebrated in a special way. The You First Project has assisted me with my personal and educational growth, providing me with comfort and accountability.” 

In 2022, TSU’s commitment to improving the college experiences of first-generation students was recognized when the university became a member institution of the FirstGen Forward Network, further solidifying its role as a leader in fostering first-generation success. 

As the festivities concluded, the excitement resonated with the belief that through initiatives like The You First Project, first-generation students will continue to thrive. This year’s celebration was a reminder that at TSU, every first-generation student is a pioneer with a bright future shaped by perseverance and community. 

For more information on The You First Project: Graduation Initiatives for the First-Generation Students please, visit FIRSTGENERATION MATTERS or The You First Project.  

EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU joins FirstGen Forward, boosts support for First-Gen Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has been recognized for its dedication to enhancing the experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students. TSU has been selected as a new member of the FirstGen Forward Network, a national nonprofit organization formerly known as the Center for First-Generation Student Success.

FirstGen Forward selects higher education institutions, businesses, and other organizations for their network that demonstrate a commitment to improving the experiences and success of first-generation college students.

Dr. Sessi Aboh, Director of the Title III You First Project and Graduation Initiatives for First-Generation Students at TSU, said the partnership aligns with the You First Project organization’s mission and will elevate the university’s efforts.

Dr. Sessi Aboh

“When we started the You First Project, we affirmed TSUs commitment to our students’ success and upheld the institution’s dedication to using a systematic approach and leveraging best practices,” Aboh said. “We aim to advance student success and increase first-generation students’ persistence and graduation rates. Partnering with experts and a community of peer institutions will help us gain additional insights and skills.”

The You First Project is a comprehensive care network designed to support first-generation students at TSU, guiding them toward improved graduation rates and career readiness.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, TSU had 1,200 first-generation students and hosted programs featuring panel discussions and gift giveaways to celebrate these new students.

Institutions must apply to join the FirstGen Forward Network. During their first year of active engagement, Network Member institutions commit to building a foundational understanding of first-generation student success through monthly workshops, networking, professional development opportunities, and sharing resources. Successful completion of these requirements may lead to advancement to the Network Leader phase, with the ultimate goal of achieving Network Champion status.

FirstGen Forward’s three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success will benefit both TSU students and the You First Project. This approach includes engaging and empowering institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. Over 400 higher education institutions across the country are part of the FirstGen Forward Network.

Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, expressed enthusiasm about TSU’s membership. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know that Tennessee State University will be a significant contributor,” Jones said.

“Being named a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for Tennessee State University,” Jones continued. “It allows us to join a dedicated community of professionals ready to share evidence-based practices and resources, tackle challenges, and advance the success of first-generation students nationwide.”

The You First Project: Graduation Initiatives for First-Generation Students is a Title III/FUTURE Act Grant initiative. For more information about the You First Project, visit www.tnstate.edu/youfirst or contact the TSU You First Project/Title III at 615-963-4969. To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit https://firstgen.naspa.org.