First-generation students (FGS) are a population that has received increasing attention, but the term "first-generation student" has been inconsistently defined. Such inconsistency creates challenges not only for research, but for students themselves, many of whom may find they meet the FGS definition in one institutional context, but…

The power of being a first-generation college student was a life-changing experience. The barriers that existed for first-generation students were often fearsome. However, being a first-generation student was also a time of excitement because first-generation students had unique viewpoints, and it was a significant time of self-development. Higher…

There has been a notable increase in the number of first-generation students pursuing a college degree. However, there is a mismatch between the number of first-generation students entering college and the number of them continuing their mission through college. Given the college completion disparity for first-generation students, it is essential…

The purpose of this research is to explore the differences in perceived opportunities and potential barriers leading to inequality in our higher education system. To do this, we examine differences in satisfaction and expectations that exist among college students based on three key heterogeneous characteristics - gender identity (male vs.…

The Research-Aligned Mentorship (RAM) program at Farmingdale State College is changing the trajectories of racial minority students, students of low socioeconomic status, and first-generation undergraduate students. This article reviews the RAM program from 2016 through 2022. During that period, Farmingdale welcomed seven cohorts of RAM Scholars,…

Although access to higher education has increased over the last several decades, success gaps in higher education between first-generation and continuing-generation college students persist. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of first-generation college graduates who are leaders in higher education to learn about what helps…

First-generation college students (FGCS), defined as students whose parents did not earn a baccalaureate degree, encounter distinct obstacles navigating academia. Barriers faced by FGCS, including lack of financial security, lower sense of belonging, and inadequate mentorship, are often compounded by the intersection of other marginalized…

Objective: The prevalence of illnesses related to VPDs is higher among older adults and college students experience them despite decades of vaccine availability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College Health Association (ACHA) emphasizes that all students should provide vaccine proof or receive immunizations prior to…

In March 2020, the higher-education community faced one of its largest disruptions to date with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing campuses to close their doors to thousands of students. The university-wide closures prompted a collaboration between researchers and college administrators to assess the impact of COVID-19 on First-Generation College…

This qualitative study explores the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students (FGCS) within a sport management program at a Midwestern university. Drawing from interviews with ten FGCS, this research delves into the academic, social, and career-related obstacles these students encounter over time within the program. Prior…

The researcher used qualitative phenomenology to study the perception of first-generation college students who have successfully persisted at an HBCU. The researcher sought to determine whether first-generation students who persist in college perceive parental involvement to be a contributing factor. Today, over 37% of students enrolled in…

This study investigates the relationship between academic identity statuses and academic achievement at a U.S. northeastern college where 55% of the population is first-generation students. Using Was and Isaacson's (2008) Academic Identity Measure, I assessed four identity statuses (achieved, foreclosed, diffused, and moratorium) among 424…

To explore the ways in which the learning and understanding of diversity course subject matter happen, this manuscript interviews and observed the experiences of 10 first-generation college students of color and their teachers from two diversity courses. Findings show that participants drew from their classmates' prior knowledge and experiences to…

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) remain essential within the higher education landscape, serving as means for academic excellence and cultural empowerment. Despite unremitting challenges such as limited funding and enrollment fluctuations, HBCUs continue to provide transformative educational experiences that nurture both…

Our educational system must constantly change and evolve to fully equip our students with the support and resources needed to succeed. However, the needs of first-generation students--students who desire to go to college but whose parents did not attend--are oftentimes not considered as part of these educational changes. These students encounter…