Who is considered a First-Generation College Student?
First generation students are those whose parent(s)/guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor’s (4-year degree) in the United States, students who have experienced the foster care system or international students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.. You are still considered first generation if your siblings or relatives have earned a 4-year degree or have attended college before you. If you are the first to attend college in your family, you have reason to be proud! 1st Generation students are resilient and possess:
- Motivation: First-generation students may be more motivated and determined to succeed in college. They may also be more resourceful and creative in their approach to academics and campus life.
Why does it matter?
Challenges: First-Generation students may face challenges, such as feeling out of place in higher education, and obstacles to accessing higher education, succeeding after enrollment, and graduating.
Benefits: College provides many benefits to First-Generation students and their families such as:
- Social mobility: First-generation students who earn a college degree are five times more likely to move out of poverty. People with a bachelor's degree also earn almost double what high school graduates make over a 40-year career and experience lower unemployment rates.
- Personal growth: First-generation students may develop skills like perseverance and work ethic, and feel pride in being the first in their family to attend college.
There are many resources available to help First-Generation students succeed such as:
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: First-generation students may be eligible for more financial aid, such as scholarships and grants.
- Basic Needs and Other Resources- Paradise Valley Community Colleges is committed to the academic success of our students, and we understand that basic needs have a direct impact on the well-being and success of our students. Basic needs can include food, housing, transportation, wellness, and other important services.
- Mentorship: College mentors are First-Generation faculty, staff, and students who are able to provide support and mentorship to first generation students to provide caring support navigating transitions to college life.
- Internships: Programs such as INROADS.org are leaders in advancing diverse youth in corporate America. They offer talented, underrepresented youth a pathway from high school to college and throughout their career that breaks through the glass ceiling and closes the opportunity and wealth gaps. INROADS career development pathway extends a support system that can last a lifetime.
First-Generation Student Programming
Events such as the First-Generation Welcome Lunch, National First-Gen Celebration, First-Gen Friday’s and much more.
Nov. 8: National First-Generation College Celebration
Why is November 8th National First-Generation Day celebrated? National First-Generation Day is to honor students, teachers, and staff who are the first in their family to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in the United States.