Many first-generation, African American male students who enroll in primarily White institutions do not persist. This phenomenological study aimed to understand academic persistence in first-generation African American male students enrolled at a four-year, primarily White institution. The theory guiding this study is the theory of human…

The researcher designed this qualitative descriptive study to investigate the experiences of successful first-generation, low-income college students that contributed to their ability to complete a bachelor's degree. A strength-based perspective was used to examine successful students and their unique abilities, allowing them to overcome various…

The purpose of this study was to explore how high-achieving first-generation college students perceived their mentoring experiences at a public research university in the midsouth and examined what role mentoring played in their persistence. Using the narrative inquiry, the study captured mentoring perceptions and experiences of 13 high-achieving…

This mixed-methods case study investigated changes to first year, first-generation (FYFG) college students' visual thinking and learning while enrolled in a 15-week academic success course (ASC) with a focus on meta-learning. The researcher found that a 5-week meta-learning intervention within the ASC helped six focal participants enact changes to…

Participation in higher education affords low-income students with a pathway out of poverty. The federally funded Upward Bound program aims to improve the college-going rate of low-income and first-generation students. Relevant studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the program. There is a gap in the research regarding whether some types…

This study explored the lived experiences of first-generation transfer students (FGTS) and their utilization of support structures at a mid-size, public university in New England. Using Schlossberg's Transition Theory as a framework, this case study presents results that sought to center the voices of FGTS as it relates to the support services…

This exploratory phenomenological qualitative study investigated the role of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) social-emotional competencies in five first-generation doctoral students' experiences in higher education. Data were collected via a written open-ended questionnaire and one-on-one in-depth interviews…

More than half of U.S. college students are first-generation students (i.e., without a parent who completed a bachelor's degree), yet these students are at increased risk compared to continuing-generation students for earning lower grades, not completing their degree, and lower life satisfaction. First-generation students are also less likely to…

Objective: The objective was to examine mental health of undergraduate researchers (UGRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: We surveyed 962 UGRs who were conducting research in Spring 2020 at over 100 US universities. Methods: We conducted an online survey in July 2020. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariable…

Non-parent mentoring relationships are important protective factors for first-generation college students. Previous research has focused on singular mentoring relationships measured at one time point, failing to capture the breadth and dynamic nature of social networks. The current study is a longitudinal investigation of first-generation…

Historical influence in present day education contributes to the continuous conversation of equity in higher education systems. In the process of understanding inequalities and exploring the academic achievements of first-generation low-income students (FGLI), this paper summarizes generational effects on the academic journey within the community.…

Pláticas methodology is introduced in this article to advance the centering of Latinx researchers and Latinx students in STEM research. As an increase in Latinx educational researchers enter academia, engaging an appropriate epistemology and methodology that is culturally relevant and race-centered is key in the ongoing STEM education research…

Mexican Americans have been native to the United States for centuries, but their educational attainment numbers reflect an achievement gap. This has led to increased poverty levels, low social capital, and low quality of benefits. One way to increase social mobility for a racial group is by increasing the number of bachelor's degree holders.…

This quantitative study examined non-TRIO participating first-generation college students' graduation rates and the impact of academic and social integration in one community college setting. This study used archival data to analyze tutoring, purchasing a meal plan, and living in campus housing. The study used Tinto's (1993) Model of Student…

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, have been shown to have an impact on an individual's mental, physical, and academic health. Specific individuals are more vulnerable to experiencing ACEs than others, and recognizing who these individuals are and when these experiences occur is critical in determining what supports were in place for at-risk…