Unlike the independent path of first-generation college students in the West, first-generation college students in China tend to integrate personal development with family responsibility. Using a sample of 16 first-generation college students who serve as elder siblings and the first in their family to go to college, this qualitative inquiry…

In this article, we explore how three campuses implemented professional learning communities (PLCs) in order to create institutional change in support of culture change (toward ecological validation) to support at-promise student success. The study explores the process of learning within the PLCs, examines facilitators of learning ecological…

In all levels of schooling there exist disparities in terms of class and gender. The research presented in this article contributes to the study of how gender, class and curriculum influence the aspirations of students who are the first-in-family to attend university. Drawing on a study of 48 students over a three-year period, we are interested in…

Although social and academic integration are considered significant predictors of academic success, little is known about their longitudinal development. In addition, cross-sectional research indicates differences in the integration process based on the sociodemographic background of students, but lacks longitudinal confirmation, especially in…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to use photovoice to explore first-generation student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their social isolation, as well as what contributed to or alleviated their social isolation. Participants: Nine undergraduate students who identified as first-generation and who experienced…

Educational and psychological research often involves comparing motivation across groups. It is critical to ensure that observed differences in motivation are true variations by group, not due to measurement biases. With a diverse sample of undergraduate students (N = 2200), this study measured internal consistency and gathered validity evidence…

First-generation college students (FGCS) face unique challenges in achieving career success, challenges which stem from limited access to social capital. Social capital refers to the value derived from access to social structures, which serve as resources that enable individuals to pursue and attain their interests (Coleman, 1988). Enhancing…

Chinese first-generation college students (FGCS) experience cultural challenges. We developed a framework for analyzing the content of interviews with 20 Chinese FGCS in three college stages. In the input stage, narrow family perceptions misled the FGCS college goals, manifested as unrealistic visions or negative attitudes. In the shallow college…

This article examines the role of first-generation status and financial aid on the academic performance of technical college students who are beneficiaries of a fee-free policy. Students enrolled in two-year technical programs in 2017 at Chile's largest higher education institution were considered. A quantitative panel longitudinal design was used…

This action research study followed a sample of first-generation, first-year college students through the summer 2021 orientation process at Towson University (TU), a large public institution in Maryland. Little recent research has been conducted to understand the student experience of the orientation process. First-generation college students are…

The advising experience of students who start their academic studies at a community college is often critical to their success. Students with an intent to earn an associate degree may find that academic advising helps them define their academic goals, affirms their educational plans, and provides them continual guidance. This study explored the…

The study explored the academic journey of Latinas who participated in the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program (HMDP) and completed a bachelor's degree. The literature highlighted intersecting influencers that contributed to the Latinx academic journey. To account for this multidimensional nature, I utilized a conceptual framework with strengths in…

For decades science educators and instructors focused on students' ability to memorize, retain, and recall scientific information precisely. Today's generation of educators emphasizes the educational environments that encourage academic and emotional learning of students that lead to greater academic success. Literature on education and…

The current study investigated the value of faculty mentoring among first-generation college students (FGCS). We examined mentored FGCS in general, and, more specifically, the impact of levels of quality of faculty mentoring on ratings of life purpose, perceived well-being, and perceived well-being subscales. We hypothesized that faculty-mentored…

One challenge sociology departments face is conveying to undergraduates the relevance of a sociology degree for future careers. This challenge is more notable for first-generation and working-class students who research shows have more limited access to mentors. Here we present a department-level mentoring initiative designed to address systemic…