This open access book, now in its second edition, offers a comprehensive overview of the experiences of First in Family (FiF) or first-generation students in higher education. It draws upon narratives of students and their family members and spans the entire university student life cycle (pre-entry, commencement, progression and graduation) with a…

A considerable body of research demonstrates that first-generation college students face greater obstacles to college retention, persistence and completion compared to their non-first-generation counterparts. However, the extant literature rarely explores rurality as a salient factor to understand these challenges. Even less visible in the…

This interpretive qualitative study of 17 first-generation college students (FGCSs) in the U.S. uses parent-generated familial capital as an asset-based framework to recognize the various ways that parents contribute to their undergraduate students' career development. Six themes illustrate parental contributions: facilitating students' access to…

While doctoral training can be a challenge for a student of any background, there are specific challenges that face first-generation doctoral students. In addition, over the last decade, the number of women completing doctoral degrees has continued to increase. Many women in doctoral programs also have children at home and professional…

The purpose of this quantitative study is to assess if perceptions of academic and institutional support as well as demographic factors, predict intention to return to school amongst online first-generation college students enrolled at traditional higher educational institutions. To complete the causal-comparative study, the researcher analyzes…

Early college high schools (ECHS) were created to disrupt inequities in the secondary school systems by intentionally serving underserved students in higher education. Using Acevedo-Gil's (2017) College-"Concimiento" model, this qualitative "testimonio" study primarily focused on the narratives of 12 Latin* first-generation…

This study examined the characteristics of class activism in a community college as demonstrated by single mothers, first-generation students from peripheral regions. Building on theories of class and intersectionality, we wished to understand the ways in which single mothers conceptualize their experience in academia, as individuals and as a…

As more colleges and universities are designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), examining the pathways of HSI presidents is critical as their leadership sets an example of what it means to support the success of students from Latinx/Hispanic backgrounds. Given that these students have traditionally been underserved -- not just due to…

First-generation college students (FGCSs) are the first in their families to receive a baccalaureate degree. As a result, they face multiple sociological, familial, and cultural challenges as they navigate their college and professional environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the cognitive "soundtracks" that FGCSs create to…

We investigated the intersectional relationships between racism, sexism, and classism in inequities in student conceptual knowledge in introductory biology courses using a quantitative critical framework. Using Bayesian hierarchical linear models, we examined students' conceptual knowledge as measured by the Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology…

This study investigates the financial literacy of college student-athletes, a group facing unique financial challenges and opportunities, particularly with the growth of name, image, and likeness deals. Using data from the 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, this research compares the financial literacy levels of student-athletes to…

This book addresses persistent inequities in student outcomes, resource allocation, and institutional practices at community colleges, despite being known for their open access policies and educational opportunities for diverse populations. It presents research-backed strategies for creating more inclusive and effective learning environments for…

This article describes a qualitative study with seven first-generation college graduates who went on to complete graduate school and are now working in colleges and universities as counselors and counselor educators. The findings highlight the resources that these participants possessed that contributed to their college success stories.…

Internships are helpful tools for college students to gain valuable work experience that increases their employability. While applying online is an option, the best inroads into internships are through personal connections made available through social capital. First-generation college students who have limited networks may lack the social capital…

Background: Identifying as an engineer is essential for belonging and student success, yet the social context and professional norms make it more difficult for some students to establish an identity as an engineer. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study investigated whether first-generation college students' funds of knowledge supported their engineering…