Colorado Mesa University Honored for Supporting Nearly 50% First-in-Family College Students

Colorado Mesa University

The Colorado Mesa University has received an honorable award from the Colorado Department of Higher Education for its support toward first-generation students.

With a new title as the First Generation-Serving Institution, the CDHE acknowledged CMU's commitment to supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Currently, nearly 50% of CMU's student body consists of these first-gen learners compared to 2021's 37%, per the University report itself. With their commitment, they not only let students access college but also help them thrive. It's one of the only five institutions that received this enrollment distinction.

CMU's Programs for First Gen Learners

To guide first-gen students to their own success, there are programs that ensures they have the tools to succeed, such as targeted scholarships and peer mentoring. In fact, several faculty and staff were also the first in their families to attend college as well and have now been mentoring students in the same distinction.

Beyond academics, CMU also promotes an innovative approach that helps them focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. This way, students aren't just learning facts, they're also learning how to think independently so they can address real-world challenges, which is valuable for first-gen students who often face unique challenges in their academic journey.

For this approach, CMU is on a mission to include and prepare students for meaningful careers and civic engagement. Through personal growth that is sustained by specific programs, and intellectual development, Colorado Mesa University hopes that these students can also create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their future generations.

With this recognition, CMU reinforces its goal of providing quality education for all, regardless of their background.