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Holy Family University Awarded $850,000 for First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub

Dr. Prisco and Congressman Brendan Boyle
Dr. Anne Prisco, President of Holy Family University, is presented with a check of $850,000 to fund the University’s new First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub by Congressman Brendan Boyle.

Holy Family University has been awarded $850,000 to fund the University’s new First-Generation Success and Innovation Hub, a center that will provide first-generation students with a wealth of resources to help them succeed in their pursuit of a college education.

Congressman Brendan Boyle (2nd Congressional District) presented Dr. Anne Prisco, President of Holy Family University, with a check for $850,000 during Holy Family’s First-Gen Celebration Day, an event held annually on November 8 that honors Holy Family students who are the first in their family to attend college.

Dr. Prisco, herself a first-generation student, discussed how important it is for Holy Family to invest in resources to help first-generation students succeed.

First-Gen Student Day"Thank you to Congressman Brendan Boyle for this historic investment in first-generation college students here in Northeast Philadelphia,” said Dr. Prisco. “As a first-generation college student, and the President of a University with a population of 45% first-generation college students, I can't echo enough how important this funding will be to our students. Nationally, only 27% of first-gen students complete their bachelor's degree in 4 years, and this funding is a commitment to change that.”

First-generation college students face unique challenges compared with their continuing-education peers, including difficulty financing a college education, limited knowledge about college life, cultural and language barriers, the need to work a job while in school, and the need to commute long distances to and from campus. Congressman Boyle discussed how he faced several obstacles as a first-generation college graduate.

Congressman Brendan Boyle“I know how challenging it can be to navigate higher education without a roadmap,” said Congressman Boyle. “This funding will help create a hub where students can access the resources and community they need to not only succeed academically, but also build the confidence and skills to thrive in their careers and lives. It’s an investment in their future and in the strength of our community.”