WVNCC Receives $25,000 Grant to Launch Northern First

West Virginia Northern Community College Receives $25,000 Grant to Launch Northern First: A First-Generation Student Success Network

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) has received a $25,000 grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education to establish Northern First: A First-Generation Student Success Network, a comprehensive initiative designed to help first-generation college students succeed from the time they first consider college through graduation and beyond.

The initiative will launch with the Fall 2026 semester, which begins August 24, and will focus on improving the recruitment and retention of first-generation students while strengthening their sense of belonging and educational success.

“Being the first in your family to attend college is a tremendous accomplishment, but it can also come with questions about how college works and where to turn for help,” said Rana Spurlock, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Northern First will help make sure our first-generation students know they belong here, understand the resources available to them and have people in their corner to help them reach their goals.”

Northern First will provide support through seven key components:

• First-Generation Student Days will introduce prospective students to the college experience through campus tours, academic and career exploration, financial aid information, student panels, program demonstrations and opportunities to meet first-generation WVNCC students, faculty and staff.
• First-Generation Family Orientation will help students and their families better understand financial aid, registration and advising, college terminology, career pathways, and ways families can support students while encouraging their independence.
• Through the First-Generation Success Network Peer Mentoring Program, approximately 8–10 trained WVNCC student mentors will provide encouragement and guidance to at least 50 first-generation students throughout the academic year. The program will give new students an opportunity to connect with peers who have firsthand experience navigating college.
• A Faculty/Staff Mentoring Program will also connect first-generation students with at least 10 faculty and staff mentors who can provide encouragement, guidance and a consistent point of connection throughout their college experience.
• First-Generation Success Workshops and Engagement Programming will provide practical information on topics such as navigating college, budgeting and financial wellness, FAFSA and financial aid, self-advocacy, study and time-management skills, career exploration, transfer planning, stress management and connections to academic, wellness and basic-needs resources. Programs will be available in person, virtually and in hybrid formats to include online students.
• WVNCC will also offer First-Generation College Celebration Programming to recognize first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff while increasing awareness of the first-generation experience. Activities may include student and employee stories, recognition displays, networking opportunities, student panels and a college-wide celebration.
• Finally, the First-Generation Data, Assessment and Institutional Awareness Initiative will help WVNCC better identify and support first-generation students. The college will assess factors such as students' sense of belonging, connections with peers and employees, awareness of resources, confidence navigating college, willingness to seek help, financial and academic confidence, academic performance, credit completion and retention.

“Success isn't just about getting students through the door,” added Spurlock. “It's about making sure they have the relationships, resources, knowledge and confidence they need to stay enrolled, complete their programs and achieve their educational and career goals. Northern First is about creating that network of support.”

Students interested in attending WVNCC this fall can still register for classes. The Fall 2026 semester begins August 24, and the deadline to register is August 22 at 3 p.m.

For more information visit one of the links below or contact the college at 304-233-5900.

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