The new First-Gen Collective serves as the university's internal response to the unique hurdles these students face, such as navigating academic systems without prior family guidance. By joining the FirstGen Forward Network—an organization founded by The Suder Foundation and NASPA—Goodwin becomes one of 470 institutions nationwide recognized for evidence-based strategies that foster campus inclusion.

Goodwin University President Mark E. Scheinberg noted that these students define the institution’s mission through their resilience and ambition. Martina A. Martin, vice president at FirstGen Forward, praised the university for its willingness to align data and campus-wide strategy to create a sustainable environment for learners. This designation marks a shift toward formalizing support structures, ensuring that the experiences of first-generation graduates remain central to the university's academic identity.