Supporting first-generation students in higher education

By Eliza.Compton, 11 January, 2024
First-generation students spotlight image
From application to completion, these resources for institutions, teachers and support staff offer advice to ensure that first-gen students thrive
Supporting first-generation students in higher education
From application to completion, these resources for institutions, teachers and support staff offer advice to ensure that first-gen students thrive
First-generation students spotlight image

The number of students who are first-in-family to enter higher education is growing. But they face specific challenges through their learning journeys. Increasing awareness that this cohort might need extra guidance and support to build networks and academic skills has resulted in more programmes and initiatives to foster belonging and boost retention and completion rates. This collection of resources offers advice on aspects including making admission processes more equitable, implementing peer-to-peer mentoring, involving families in the journey and navigating the effects of the affirmative action ban in the US.

Making application and admissions more equitable
Resources
By Eliza.Compton, 15 December, 2023

Transforming admissions for first-gen university student enrolment

African American student accepted to university
Attracting and retaining first-generation college students is a pivotal goal for higher education institutions seeking diversity and inclusivity, and college admissions faculty play a vital role in this process, writes Juan Espinoza
Reading time
3minutes
By Miranda Prynne, 6 October, 2022

How to ensure college admissions are equitable and accessible

First generation student worried by the college applications process
As a first-generation college student, Aimee Huffstetler knows how daunting the application process can be. Now working in enrolment, she shares advice on what higher education administrators can do to ensure more equitable and accessible admissions
Reading time
3minutes
Female college student
How to welcome first-generation students into higher education
Resources
Three college students in graduation gowns jumping
By Eliza.Compton, 11 January, 2024

Targeted support to enhance retention among first-generation students

Target with dart in bulls eye
Outreach initiatives and support programmes can address first-generation students’ challenges, such as belonging and financial literacy, while increasing retention and graduation rates. Here, Charmaine Troy shares her recommendations
Reading time
3minutes
Fostering social mobility
Resources
Digital illustration of mountain
By Laura.Duckett, 10 January, 2024

Defining first-generation is harder than you think

University students standing outside campus
The first step towards providing better support for first-generation students should be to acknowledge the variety of definitions that exist and develop a better shared understanding of how those definitions affect students
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 7 December, 2023

Leveraging internships to empower first-generation students

veterinary students on work placement watching farmer worm a sheep
Professional placements – whether paid or unpaid – offer practical, hands-on experiences aligned with students’ academic pursuits and help level the playing field for first-gen students in competitive job markets
Reading time
3minutes
Building belonging and engagement
Resources