First Generation College Students
First generation college students are those whose parents have little or no college experience. Understanding and affirming their distinct challenges, and helping them navigate the college experience, are important ways that faculty can foster their success and encourage them to pursue ambitious goals after they graduate.
Resources
First Generation Students: College Aspirations, Preparedness and Challenges, The College Board
First-Generation College Students: First-Year Challenges, Darling & Smith, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
First-Generation Undergraduate Students and the Impacts of the First Year of College: Additional Evidence, Padgett et al., Journal of College Student Development
Faculty and First-Generation College Students: Bridging the Classroom Gap Together, Special Issue, New Directions in Teaching and Learning
Stanford Researcher: First-Generation College Students Benefit From Discussing Class Differences, Stanford News