North Central's first-gen program receives national honor and makes headlines

Cardinal First is one of only 21 programs nationwide to be recognized by Excelencia in Education for asset-based approach to serving Latino students

Excelencia in Education, the nation's premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, named Cardinal First—North Central College's program for first-generation college students—as a national finalist for the 2021 Examples of Excelencia. This recognition was given to only 21 programs nationwide out of 145 program submissions representing 23 states and Puerto Rico. Cardinal First is the only Midwestern program in the baccalaureate category, and one of just two programs in Illinois, to be recognized as a finalist.

Cardinal First’s national recognition has captured the attention of media outlets across Naperville.

"Cardinal First is committed to advancing outcomes for all first-generation students, including our increasing population of first-gen Latino students," said Julie Carballo, director of first-generation initiatives, veteran and military-affiliated student services at North Central College. "This recognition represents the tireless and passionate work of so many involved with Cardinal First since its launch in 2015. It is also an honor to see the success of our first-gen Latino students recognized and celebrated; they are remarkable and a tremendous asset to our campus."

Click here to read the full article in the Naperville Sun.

Click here to read the full article in Naperville Community Television (NCTV17).

Click here to read the full article in the Naperville Patch.