New State Designation Highlights How First-Generation Students Get More Than Access at RRCC
RRCC is committed to ensuring first generation students can achieve their goals.
April 2, 2026
Red Rocks Community College is consistently showing up for students who are first in their families to go to college, and a new state designation is highlighting that work.
The Colorado Department of Higher Education identified RRCC as a First-Generation Serving Institution, this week.
Colleges must have a higher percentage of first-generation students than the state average of 37% over three consecutive years. Enrolling a high percentage of first-generation students is a first step. RRCC is working to not only help students access college, but also succeed.
This school year, RRCC secured two federal grants to expand TRIO programming which supports first-generation students through individualized services including academic tutoring, financial aid, career exploration, mentoring, and more.
The designation of First-Generation Serving Institution, created by state lawmakers, highlights institutions that are advancing equitable access and opportunities for students who are the first generation of their families to go to college.
The last time the state identified schools in November of 2024, RRCC also earned the designation.