First-Generation Students

First-Gen Celebration Day: November 8th

This page is for any advocate for first-generation college students at institutions nationally. The need for this page was inspired by workshops hosted by the National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Students In Transition in February 2015. Membership is open. No promotions or requests for donations permitted.

Encouragement and advice for first-gen students as they enter college.

Sharing stories, resources, and support programs for college students as they prepare for their careers.

"I’m First! is an online community providing first-generation college students—and those who advise them—with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college."

Support and advice from a successful First-Gen college graduate.

This First Generation Digital Storytelling project explores the use of storytelling and digital social media to give voice to the rarely heard narratives of First Generation college students and graduates.

First-generation college students (FGCS) experience the same challenges as non-first-generation students (NFGCS), but they also face their own unique stressors such as a lack of academic preparation, absence of support from family and friends, and difficult cultural transitions. A combination of these factors may put them at higher risk for mental health problems, lower retention rates, and lower graduation rates.

"This qualitative study explores the college choice process and first-year experiences of first-generation college Latino students. Case study analysis was used with one-on-one interviews, revealing five emerging themes: (1) Latino identity expression; (2) first in the family; (3) desire for sense of community; (4) embracing Latino identity in college; and (5) personal responsibility for education. Findings revealed how the importance of cultural identity and responsibilities regarding first-generation college attendance were important to participants' experiences."