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The Council for Opportunity in Education Announces Partnership with NACADA to Launch Credentialing Opportunity for Higher Education Professionals 

July 12, 2024 — by Terrance L. Hamm

As more first-generation college students enroll in higher education, this course becomes not just timely but essential, highlighting the growing need for support and guidance in their educational journeys. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) announces today a pioneering partnership with NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising to develop an innovative credentialing opportunity designed specifically for higher education professionals, including TRIO staff and academic advisors. This partnership in the micro-credentialing space marks the first of its kind for the TRIO and academic advising communities, with the online course “Advising First-Generation Students” running from Wednesday, August 7, to Saturday, August 31. 

With first-generation college students making up an increasing proportion of college enrollments, this course is both timely and essential. Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration with NACADA represents a monumental step forward in enhancing the support structure for first-generation college students. By combining our expertise, we can ensure that academic advisors and TRIO staff are well-equipped to meet the unique needs of these students, fostering an environment where they can thrive.” 

Each session of the course will be co-facilitated by subject matter experts from both NACADA and COE, ensuring a comprehensive and insightful learning experience. Key topics covered in the course include: 

  • Identifying the defining characteristics of first-generation college students within a historical context to gain insights into their strengths and opportunities for growth. 
  • Developing a list of campus or organizational resources that support first-generation college students’ success. 
  • Applying culturally responsive advising techniques to normalize help-seeking behaviors among first-generation college students. 
  • Creating a cross-campus, cross-functional plan to build and/or expand advising networks to support the unique needs of first-generation college students. 
  • Promoting an inclusive learning environment by articulating the issues and strategies that best support first-generation college students. 

“First-generation college students are composing larger and larger percentages of college enrollment, which is great for students and higher education,” said Kyle Ross, executive director of NACADA. “Working with the Council for Opportunity in Education allows us to leverage what we are great at, advising, with COE’s expertise in first-generation students to offer this transformative opportunity.” 

The success of this initial course has prompted plans for a second session to begin in November, further expanding the reach and impact of this critical professional development opportunity. 

About the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) 

The Council for Opportunity in Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities across the United States. COE works to ensure that these students have the support they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. 

About NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising 

NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising is an association committed to enhancing the educational development of students by supporting the growth and professional development of academic advisors. NACADA provides a forum for discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications. 

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Terrance L. Hamm, associate vice-president for communications and marketing at COE via email at [email protected] or call (202) 347-7430.

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