Parents of first-generation students want to be involved during their child’s time in college, but they lack knowledge about the college experience and may feel they can’t provide support. Provide opportunities to orient first-gen parents to higher education and advise them on how to support their child throughout the first year and beyond.
Parents are key influencers on college enrollment for all students, but the parents of first-generation students are less likely to expect their children to enroll in college than parents with postsecondary experience. Even when parents want to be involved, logistical barriers and gaps in social capital prevent the families of first-generation students from supporting students throughout the admission process. This white paper includes four best practices to increase first-generation student enrollment by engaging their parents.
As soon as they begin interacting with colleges and universities, first-gen students must navigate systems, processes, and language they are unfamiliar with. Higher education terminology can be confusing, complicating task completion and reinforcing questions about belonging that often hinder first-generation students’ transition.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill completed a “translation exercise” to improve the readability of some of their most accessed resources for incoming students. View the case study below, then complete the jargon reduction exercise yourself.
Many first-generation college students struggle with their initial transition, often feeling isolated or questioning whether they truly belong at the institution.
Recognizing first-generation status as an important aspect of students’ identities communicates to them that they are not alone, they have resources to support them, and they shouldn’t be ashamed.
First-generation students may be underprepared for securing a fulfilling career after graduation. They might have limited personal connections, less experience networking, or be unfamiliar with professional interactions (e.g., reaching out to professional contacts for help and guidance). Learn how you can jumpstart career development for first-gen students.
First-generation students need tailored opportunities to address the barriers described above. Check out our tool to help you leverage community contacts to create accessible job shadowing opportunities and provide first-generation students with a supportive introduction to professional interactions
