First-generation Student Success Research Grants

You First at VCU and the First-Generation Student Success and Research Center invite applications for funding to support scholarly activity focused on (a) first-generation student success and (b) improving Asian American and Pacific Islander student success. Projects may address diversity; underrepresented perspectives; student success barriers (social, academic, health related, and financial); new approaches and innovations to enhancing student success; faculty engagement in activities related to student success; and teaching/learning approaches. These awards provide funding of up to $5,000 to faculty.

For additional information contact Elizabeth Bambacus (bambacuses@vcu.edu).

The Request for Applications and submission instructions is available now.

Click for the Request for Applications and submission instruction

2023-2024 Funded Projects:

Addressing Food Insecurity and Mental Health Needs of First-Generation Students through Peer Support
Youngmi Kim & Gary Cuddeback

Analysis of Little Ram Pantry Efficacy Focus Group Data
John Jones & Youngmi Kim

A Three-Pronged Approach to Creating Equitable Outcomes for First-Gen POLI Majors
Alexandra Reckendorf, Amanda Wintersieck, Nathan Bickett, & Jen Clayton

A Strengths-Based and Intersectional Approach to Understanding Belonging in First-Generation Students: A Mixed Methods Participatory Action Research Study
Sharon Zumbrunn, Oswaldo Moreno & Korinthia Nicolai

Increasing Belongingness among First Generation LGBTQIA students: A Photovoice Study
Traci Wike

2022-2023 Funded Projects:

Awareness and Usage of Math Resources for First-Generation Students
Punit Gandhi, Heather Nunnally, and Angela Reynolds

A Programmatic Evaluation of Use and Efficacy of Little Food Pantries to Mitigate College Student Food Insecurity at an Urban Public University
John Jones

Game-theoretic Approach to Mindset Evolution Between Interactions with Teachers and Students
David Chan, Oyita Udiani, and Rani Satyam

Financial Well-being for First Generation Students
Ellen Carpenter and Carolyn Faith McCrea

Identifying Needs and Supporting First-Gen, LGBTQ+ Students at VCU
Yiwen Wei, Ying-Chao Kao, and Nicole Marie Killian

Design-Based Implementation Research to Establish Best Practices for Supportive Student-Faculty Interactions
Anathea Pepperl