1st Generation College Students

 

As a general rule, a first generation college student comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians gained a four-year degree. In most cases, students whose parents hold an associate degree or other certification are still classified as first generation students. 

 

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What makes them so special?

 

As universities and colleges across the nation look for ways to create more culturally, socially, and economically diverse student bodies, first generation college students are at the top of their lists. Data has repeatedly shown the economic benefits of a college degree, illuminating the average weekly pay of a high school graduate to be $638, while peers holding a four-year degree take home $1053. First generation college students typically represent learners who are focused, driven, and motivated to go against the grain – even in the face of uncertainty. They diversify campuses, provide unique voices and opinions in discussion, and become role models for their families and communities – many of whom haven’t attended college.

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What are some of the hallmarks of first generation students?

 

In a report on freshman year challenges for first generation college students, authors Ruth A. Darling and Melissa Scandlyn Smith found numerous predominant characteristics of this student population, including:

 

• Many are from socioeconomically disadvantaged families 

• Racial and ethnic minority students make up large percentages of FGS applicants 

• Females are the majority 

• Their college entrance exam scores are typically lower than the national average 

• They lack support from friends and family 

 

To this list, Merrimack College also adds the following hallmarks:

 

• Often feel uncomfortable on a college campus 

• Aren't as likely to seek support from their professors or peers 

• Don’t get involved in campus initiatives 

• Attend part-time while working, often commuting rather than living in dorms 

• They don’t connect with peers who aren’t first generation students 

 

Why is it so important to support them?

 

In every generation, leaders emerge. Students who are able to gain a postsecondary education have much greater opportunities when it comes to better jobs, higher education, and making significant contributions to their communities. Higher education institutions recognize the importance of diversity when it comes to the next generation of leaders and highly value first generation students for their contributions to the student body.

 

While being a first generation college student is a proud accomplishment, students in this category often face obstacles their peers don’t experience. A UCLA report found that, within six years of matriculation, only 40 percent of these students had graduated, compared to 55 percent whose parents held a postsecondary degree.

 

A report by the Pell Institute found that only 11 percent of economically disadvantaged first generation college students attained a degree, while only 25 percent of first generation students without financial constraints graduated. These figures stand in stark contrast when compared to non-first generation students, who graduated at rates of 24 and 54 percent respectively for the same study.

 

Although first generation students are nearly always hard-working, goal-oriented individuals, they often find themselves out of their depths when it comes to college. Through either not having the same access to college preparation courses or being unaware of support systems available to help keep them on track, many of these students find themselves falling behind in their first year and feeling alone in their pursuit.

 

In recent years, first generation college students across the U.S. have started to build awareness and community around their unique identity, challenges, and the positive impact they are having on their colleges and the world. 

 

At Ivy League and public colleges alike, student-led affinity groups and events, like the first annual Inter-Ivy First Generation Student Network Conference held at Brown University last year. Through these communities, first generation students are strengthening their support for each other and their chances for success, as well as breaking down the barriers to college admission and success for future generations.

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What will great FGCS schools do?

 

1. Provide concrete and specific programs to acclimate students- FGCS may have spent hours poring over your academic website, but that doesn’t mean they fully know what happens when they reach campus. Colleges with intensive FGCS programs or clubs have the highest retention rates for this student population due to the importance they place on individualized care.

 

1. Provide summer academies - to help students strengthen their math and science skills, a special off-campus orientation, summer initiatives, and a variety of academic support services.

 

1. Involve others - The learning curve for FGCS has historically been steep, as these students don’t really begin understanding all that goes into being accepted to and attending college until their senior year of high school. Consider partnering with local middle and high schools to create programs that provide college awareness.

 

1. Provide mentoring opportunities- find ways to introduce freshmen to others who have walked their road and found success. Whether it’s connecting incoming FGCS with upperclassmen with similar experiences or creating first-year experience classes led by previous FGCS faculty.

 

 

Common Obstacles for FGCSs

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• While it may add temporary financial pressure, college is a means to a good end and better job prospects. Most feel guilt about having access to a form of upward mobility that parents never got to experience

 

• Parents of first generation students are unfamiliar with the financial documents required to gain federal funding, leaving the student to sort out the specifics. 

  • There are numerous online tutorials, including one offered by the Office of the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to generic scholarships, a wide variety of institutions and organizations offer grants and scholarships specifically for first-generation students.

 

• Many first generation students only apply to one school because they haven’t had the chance to tour others and get a sense of what is available to them.

 

• Navigating freshman orientation

  • Welcome week activities often divide incoming students into smaller groups, allowing them to acclimate to campus with the help of student leaders. Some schools also provide pre-orientation for FGCS, allowing them to gain their bearings before their entire entering class sets foot on campus.

 

• Feeling alone or unknown by peers

  • Lots of schools are starting to recognize that first generation students need more support and are acting on that knowledge. Students should research prospective schools to see if they offer FGCS clubs/services.

 

• Maintaining balance or achieving good emotional and mental health

  • Most, if not all, colleges provide counselors and psychologists free of charge to students. These judgment-free professionals help FGCS sort through the pressures of college and any emotions they may feel about being the first in their family to gain a degree.

 

• Feeling the absence of an older adult providing guidance

  • Be it professional, academic, or personal, mentors provide one-on-one relationships to FGCS that can truly make the difference in whether they succeed or fail. Students can ask a teacher, an internship supervisor, or an older friend in the community to keep an eye on them and ensure they stay above water.

 

• Falling behind in academics

  • Lots of schools offer study centers and test prep programs for students, such as those offered at Georgia State University. Offerings may include a writing center, tutoring lab, or math assistance program.

 

• Feeling depleted from so many new and unknown experiences

  • Burnout is a huge issue for FGCS as they are encountering so many unfamiliar situations and making decisions they may not feel confident to answer. Students who find themselves overwhelmed should take advantage of their school’s recreational facilities or art therapy programs to refocus.

 

• Not knowing where to receive proper health care on campus

  • All schools should have a medical center where basic medical care is provided. Students can receive a check up, pick up cold medicine, or get a flu shot. These centers can also refer them to nearby clinics for any care they aren’t able to provide.

 

• Worrying about finding like minded people

  • Today’s college campuses have myriad social, academic, Panhellenic, and professional clubs available for students. Whether your interest is Pokémon or Physics, minority issues or math, chances are there’s a student group representing your interests.

 

• Not knowing where on campus to find a particular service

  • The student services office is often the best friend of the FGCS, and professionals in this department are well-versed on all the support programs and services available throughout campus. Get to know a student services worker within your first few weeks on campus and consult them anytime you need guidance.

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• Find ways to involve Family.

  • Although some FGCS may not want their families to be involved or the family may not be able to do so, other students will greatly benefit from programs with this goal. Because many FGCS feel guilt over the opportunities they’ve been given, finding ways to include them can help lessen this burden.

 

• Cultural Expectations

  • This can be a social-economic-cultural shock. Social: I was very direct with some people and they responded with passiveness, sometimes condescending. Economic: I grew up poor and was taught not to be wasteful of anything you had. So when girls would throw their wipe rags, I would ask for them, wash them and then use them myself. When they had more than one jacket or pair of running shoes I was in literal shock. To this day I can’t bring myself to buying a lot of shoes. Cultural: They didn’t get jobs while they were in school. My first roommate didn't have a job and I worked like 3 mini ones and I am like do you not need to pay for school? She said no, that her parents paid for it. Like I didn’t know that there was an expectation for some students that parents paid for their children’s college education. I know about a handful of people in college that are paying their own tuition on their own. Also getting your driver's license. My parents didn’t want me to learn how to drive until I was 18. Their reasoning was that there was no need for me to get it. When I learned how to drive I always drove without it. But now, I don’t.” College Student

    • Hannah Minor

      • I feel like in college people may see me and think I am all about looking nice or something materialistic, that’s not my education. But this year I think most people have high expectations of me and I feel horrible because I am tired and having trouble living up to my well done work from last semester vs. this semester

        • Work ethic expectations

    • Juan Morales

      • People expect you to be grown up to have it all together, but you can be responsible and have fun at the same time. So remember once in a while to catch up with your old hobbies but come back to what really matters

        • Responsibility/Adult expectations 

    • Anna Cope

      • People are always shocked when they find out I work for maintenance. My abilities are doubted because I am a woman, and everything I do I have to prove myself to my male coworkers

        • Gender expectations

    • Riley Stoabs

      • I would argue culture in college is more of a mixed bag, which I believe ties into the beauty of college. It’s unsaid going in, but right from the get go you are faced with cultural dilemmas that can only be solved with faith in the Lord and some excellent friends you make along the way.

 

• Finances    

  • Loans

    • “I was told growing up never to get a loan and never get a credit card. To this day I haven’t gotten a credit card, but if it weren’t for someone in admissions here I would not have taken out loans. My dad was very dead set on me not taking out loans, because in his eyes they are scary, they put people into debt, and you can never make enough money to pay it back. Loans create money problems. Most of my cousins haven’t graduated college because they didn’t take out loans/couldn’t afford it. Also there is no proper education on what you're getting yourself into when you take one out.”

    • knowing scholarships

      • Where to find them? How to apply for them? Every college student wonders

      • Before school- there needs to be someone who can talk to the parents and prospective students so they can talk to them how it is not scary to take out loans and they can be repaid back. Maybe like a sit down, giving them information, letting them ask questions.

      • What information can we provide about finances, loans, scholarships, grants? Make sure it’s not links which expire. 

        • What is FASFA?

        • -    FAFSA means Free application for Federal Student Aid. It is a grant from the government the helps students with grants and loans based on your families Federal Income Tax forms. This is the website where you can find the application https://fafsa.ed.gov.

        • What is TASFA?

        • -   If your parents are not American citizens or a green card, you can apply for TASFA, the Texas Application for State Aid. Which you can get from your High School guidance counselor or the financial aid office at your school

        • What are subsidized loans?

        • -        With each loan there comes interest, the federal government pays for the interest on this loan

        • What are unsubsidized loans?

        • -    Loans that build up interest over time, the student needs to pay for the loan, and the interest as well

        • Where to get scholarships?

          • Scholarships are money given to a student who meets the requirements the best for the scholarship. Each scholarship has its own requirements such as an essay or recommendation letters.  

          • There are different scholarship search friendly websites like 

            • Fastweb Scholarships

            • https://www.fastweb.com/

            • College Greenlight Scholarships

            • https://www.collegegreenlight.com/

            • Chegg

            • https://www.chegg.com/scholarships#

 

• Academic expectations

  • Difference from high school to college

  • Different study habits

• • Time-management

  • You pick classes, different level of responsibility

    • What can we say about all of this?

    • It is almost like how college pushes you to have a new level of independence 

    • Independence in a college setting is different. You are now responsible for filling out important paperwork your college needs, but at the same time you are with a limited budget and maybe asking for money from parents. You are expected to be responsible for your grades and when you turn in papers but at the same time you have professors knowing that you as a student will make plenty of mistakes. College is the pre-adulthood, not necessarily adulthood. So it is okay to make mistakes

  • There’s never been a message of you are actually taking this class because it's for your future, you really don’t start getting that message until your junior when your about to graduate. But as a freshman, you are kinda just going to school and graduation seems so far away. 

    • We need to explain about general education program  vs classes in your major

      • Make visual list with explanation 

        • I have visual representation

      • Have an explanation for each parts of the classes 

        • I have visual representation

      • Take different class lists from different schools and compare 

        • So as you can see in the pictures below (I have visual representations) with each semester you are taking general ed, those are history, math, English and science. Now with your specific classes those classes are topics toward your major. In the example you see what a Bio-Chem Major would have to take. They take classes like Organics 1 & 2 or Chemistry 1 & 2, and Advanced BioChemisty. These classes you would not take if BioChem was not your major. 

    • Which tend to transfer and which don’t

      • General classes will most likely transfer but things focused on your degree will not. 

    • How many hours in a degree.

      • 120-129 in a 4 year school

  • ‘It’ll work out’

    • One professor said in her experience students just have an attitude that everything will just work out. That regardless of effort or grades, that they will somehow end up with a degree and a job at the end of all this

      • I feel like this comes from indifference or where your motivation for school is. Some people just do it for the experience (such as partying and things like that)

      • Students don’t understand how college system works, different standards of different professors, rules regarding what their GPA has to be to graduate. We need to write something about this. 

  • Failing grades, GPAs, consequences​

    • I read some articles/journals that touch base on risks that First Gen Students (FGS) face which in turn affect failing and low GPAs:

      • Not being accustomed to the college culture - bridge programs are important for FGS, allows them to experience college prior to being fully immersed.

• Books and Using the library

  • Just need something on where/how to find books online

  • Whether to buy book or not

    • Ask your professor how important it is for you to have your book for that class. Depending on how often the book will be used should determine whether you rent or buy the book. 

  • How to get books for cheap/how to rent books

    • There are different resources such as

      • Chegg

      • Campus Books

      • Valore Books

      • Half Price Books

      • Barnes and Noble

    • You can also try your colleges bookstore

  • LIbrary should have copies

• Academic titles/positions

  • Who’s Who regarding standard academic titles/positions.

 

• Academic advising

  • they need to talk to their Advisor first so the Advisor can explain to them the expectation throughout their 4 years here. 

• Common life sense

  • This falls in with the cultural expectations point

• Communicating with your family - ​

  • how to get your parents involved, educating them on the higher education system, 

  • Progress judged on grades - understanding grades

  • Success definitions (marriage, stable job, college periphery) 

• Finding a healthy balance between jobs and school

  • Teach time management, budgeting, prioritizing time

  • I personally struggled with this, I was really disorganized my freshmen year

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• How should you interact with the professor

  • Things we can do is teach professionalism, a good handshake, learn how to use certain language and be respectful

  • Professor needs to understand that First Gen students do not know how to talk to them

• Prep electives

  • There are classes you can take at high school which count towards your degree. 

• Burnout

  •  Burnout comes from stress. For some reason it’s not like high school. Probably because the amount of change is exhausting. It’s not just changing schools. It’s changing friendship group, changing responsibility, it costs more so most have to work as well as keep up with school work, there will be classes which bore you to tears which is exhausting and if you are lucky enough to actually be learning stuff in class - that is taxing on your brain too. Professors are variable. Some will ask you to do a lot of independent work, some none. Some will expect you to talk in class, in some class you can fall asleep at the back or not say a word all semester. Some will grade hard and expect you to know things you’ve never heard of before, while others will barely grade your work at all. The uncertainty of what to expect is stressful. Making decisions is stressful and you have to make more of your own decisions in college  - so more stress. You may be living in a dorm with multiple other students, who are also stressed, or needy, or demanding, or inconsiderate - this all contributes to the stress and burnout. You are likely to not have enough time and money to eat properly - so you are going to get physically depleted. You are going to be viewed somewhere between child and fully fledged adult - this can be confusing and frustrating - you may be treated like a kid by some but then expected to manage your time and commitments like an adult. It’s a time of transition and a lot of troubleshooting and problem solving. Not to mention staying up late to do homework and prepare for exams. Burnout happens to just about every student (who is actually passing their courses). You will see that by midway through to the end of the semester everyone (even professors and admin) get testy. There is a reason that employers look for people with a degree. It’s not just that it says you are reasonably smart. It also says you have managed to weather the storms and have found a way to survive. It’s a test of your adaptability and endurance” Dr. Neal

  • “You’re a role model in a way, your going to be the one that takes the first step to bettering the families future. It’s a lot of weight to carry. Honestly it takes one thing to discourage someone from going to school. But once you’re done with school you have completely changed that expectation of just graduating high school and getting a job. Parents don’t understand why you need college until you get a degree and get a better high paying job than the average high school graduate.”

• Resume, & Recommendation Letters

  • A resume is a quick summary of experience you have had as a worker. It contains anything relevant to you getting a specific job you want. So lets say you are applying to be a Bilingual teacher at a school, it would be good to put that you had a minor in spanish when you went to school or that you speak fluent spanish.

  • Recommendation Letters are letters from your teachers, principals, or old supervisors. It is better to have a good relationship with those people so that way they can add a personal touch to the letter. It is also good to give the people writing your recommendation letter a resume, so that way they can something to reference to. 

 

 

Helpful Advice

 

• Freshman year of college: what to expect...

• Work during the summer to save money for college

• Get to know your academic advisor and trust them for guidance

• Join academic or social clubs based around your interests to build a support system

• Join a first generation college student group

• Remember: you are meant to be there. You’ve worked hard, made the grades, and been accepted. Feel empowered as a college student. Know that hard times may come, but friends and academic staff will be there to support you.

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Resources 

 

The ACT standardized test organization

Offers a very comprehensive, step-by-step resource to help students with every aspect of planning for and attending college

America Needs You

Based in New York, this nonprofit helps economically disadvantaged FGCS reach their potential through mentor programs and career development.

 

College Spring

CS provides SAT tutoring and mentorship to low income students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college.

 

First Generation Foundation

FGF works with first generation students, connecting them to higher education institutions that are invested in serving this group of learners.

 

First Generation Students

This organization provides a wealth of resources to help first generation students navigate all aspects of college, ranging from planning for higher education to finding a job after school.

 

FirstGen Fellows

This program is a collaboration of multiple social, civil, and immigration rights organizations and is focused on helping first generation college students who are interested in the field of social justice.

 

First in the Family

Students who want to gain insider knowledge can use First in the Family to hear first-hand stories from FGCS who have found success in higher education.

 

Go College! Now

This educational film tells the story of first generation college students, both sharing their difficult paths while also showing that it can be done.

 

I’m First! 

Created in 2013, this organization helps students find schools focused on serving first generation stories, shares success stories of FGCS graduates, and provides a range of helpful resources.

 

Regional Organizations Supporting FGCS

This website provides a comprehensive list of local nonprofits providing support for this population of students.

 

The Posse Foundation

This organization provide leadership development and college access to students traditionally not found on college campuses en masse, including first generation students. The group partners with schools to award four-year full rides.

 

 

FGCS Scholarships

 

Paying for college is one of the biggest obstacles for any students bound for college, but these challenges are often further intensified for first generation students. Whether from a low income family or simply unaware of the different types of scholarships and federal funding available, navigating this part of the application process can often make the difference as to whether or not a student decides to attend college. What many first generation students don’t know is that there are myriad funding options available to them. Ranging from scholarships tailored to their individual situations to federally funded programs, first generation students shouldn’t let paying for college be a roadblock to their education. Some of the best scholarship and government programs are reviewed below.

 

Scholarships for First Generation StudentsBenjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship

Awarded by the Iowa State University to first generation business students, this is a renewable scholarship for students who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.

 

Dorrance Scholarship Program 

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers this need-based scholarship of $8,000 per year to local students who are the first in their families to attend college.

 

First Generation Scholarship

Coca-Cola offers this $5,000 renewable scholarship to first generation students who hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can provide a personal statement.

 

First Generations Scholars’ Program

University of Colorado at Boulder provides students with up to $2,000 per academic year, provided they take part in the First Generation Program and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

 

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

This organization provides scholarships to low income first generation students seeking a four-year degree. Each year the program specifies eligible degrees, so students should review the list for the year they are planning to enroll.

 

I’m First! Scholarship

Provided by I’m First, this $1,000 renewable scholarship is open to any graduating high school seniors who are the first in their family to attend college.

 

Newton H. Baker Scholarship

Provided by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, this $1,000 scholarship is open to Washington County students who are the first in their family to attend college and can show financial need.

 

Odyssey Scholarships

Created by the University of Chicago, this program provides scholarships of varied amounts to first generation students whose families make less than $90,000 per year. An additional stipend for the summer between their freshman and sophomore years is also available.

 

Patty & Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship

Provided by the Rhode Island Foundation, first generation students from Rhode Island are eligible for this $1,000 renewable scholarship.

 

Regents’ Scholarship

Texas A&M awards this $5,000 renewable scholarship to first generation students whose families earn less than $40,000 per year.

 

Government ProgramsFederal Pell Grant

This program offered via the U.S. Department of education is a need based grant awarded based on a student’s (or their family’s) income as reported on the FAFSA.

 

First Generation Matching Grant

The Florida Department of Education offers this matching program for first generation students to receive the same amount of funds they are able to contribute for their educations.

 

TRIO Programs

Awarded via the Office of Postsecondary Education, TRIO funding exists to support low income and first generation students in higher education.

 

Work Study

Federal Student Aid allows students to work part-time while in college, earning money as part of their FAFSA award package.