Colleges from coast to coast recently participated in the third-annual National First-Generation College Celebration, hosting programs, distributing promotional gifts, and engaging their campus communities around first-generation student success.
Topics: First-generation students
‘At-risk’ students: Could changing the label change the narrative?
California has amended its state Penal and Education Code to replace the term “at-risk youth” with “at-promise youth.” Advocates hope the small change will help shift how educators think about students and their strengths.
Philanthropy in higher education focuses on student access, success
More than 90 percent of private foundations interested in funding higher education are prioritizing college access and success for low-income and first generation students.
In grad school, first-gen students face additional hidden challenges
The first-generation student experience isn’t limited to the undergraduate years. In fact, first-gen graduate students may encounter even more intense hurdles in a competitive environment that prizes social connections.
$100M gift to UVA will support scholarships for first-gen students
Real estate developer David Walentas grew up working on a farm and knew no one who went to college. Now he’s funding scholarships and fellowships to transform first-generation students’ economic and social circumstances.
California: UC considers going test-optional, new law funds emergency student aid
Given the system’s size, the University of California’s decision could shape the future of standardized testing requirements in college admissions. Meanwhile, targeting other barriers to attainment, California recently made available additional funds for emergency student aid.
How can colleges better support students living ‘in poverty’s long shadow’?
When low-income college students come to campus, they often bring family and community responsibilities with them. Drawing on his own experiences, Harvard professor Anthony Abraham Jack calls on administrators to recognize and better support students shouldering that stress.
Orientation 2019: Creating a positive start for students of all backgrounds
At Georgetown and elsewhere, university communities are working to ensure a warm and supportive welcome for students traditionally underrepresented on college campuses.
Colleges increasingly reaching out to parents of first-gen students
One in three first-generation college students drop out. Some institutions are betting that stronger parent engagement will boost those students’ chance of success.
Colleges taking note of jargon-filled campuses, taking steps to simplify language
A growing number of institutions are recognizing that confusing language in financial aid documents, handbooks, and syllabi can frustrate students, fuel imposter syndrome, and increase the risk of financial missteps.
Michelle Obama hosts summit to empower first-generation college-bound students
More than 50 students from the rising class of 2023 convened this week for the Beating the Odds Summit, an annual event focused on supporting first-generation students.
One year after going test-optional, UChicago sees record diversity, steps up rural outreach
University leaders say the test-optional policy is just one facet of a broader, growing effort to enroll and support underrepresented students.