HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – James Madison University has been recognized as a national leader in first-generation student success.

The school was recently selected as one of 14 higher education institutions to join the inaugural class of FirstGen Forward’s Network Champion Institutions.

Spokesman Chad Saylor says about 16 percent of JMU’s undergraduate population is considered first-generation.

“We know that First-Generation Student Success programs have life-changing, positive impacts for our students to thrive in and out of the classroom, and we are honored to be recognized as a leader in the effort to elevate these students and their families,” Saylor said.   

Last year, JMU celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of the first ever cohort from its Valley Scholars program for first-generation students, which was developed in partnership with seven local school divisions.