We often hear in the news about first-generation, low-income students. The context of these discussions is always about American-born students. Rarely do we talk about immigrant students and the difficulties they face. In both cases, students don?t have a parent who attended or graduated from college to guide them through the challenges and steps necessary to get accepted to an accredited institution of higher education.
We need to develop strategies for working with low-income, first generation students. These strategies can come in many forms. The earlier students are exposed to the idea or connection between attending colleges and the possible careers they can pursue, the more engaged and active students will be.
The demographics of our state are changing drastically; first-generation Minnesotans will have a vital role to play as our population dynamics change. Unfortunately, research shows that low-income and first-generation students are less likely to complete college. We need to increase the retention rate for low-income, first generation students.
After I graduated from college, I joined College Possible as an AmeriCorps college coach for low-income, first-generation and immigrant students. One of the challenges these students face when they attend college is financial struggles. Low-income, first generation and immigrant students often work outside the campus and feel disconnected. If financial struggles overwhelm them, the student will more likely choose his/her job over their college education because they have a stronger connection with their job.
Colleges need to develop strategies to keep these students more engaged in campus activities. Finding a job on campus can help the student stay connected. Awarding institutional scholarships based on need can reduce the financial worries. As a college coach, I acted as a mentor to about 82 students and they benefited greatly. They would come and talk about their problems in class or in their family life and I would direct them to campus resources and staff and faculty who could help.
Low-income, first-generation students don?t seek support when they need it most. A lot of colleges have the TRiO program, where students meet with an academic adviser to talk about classes, career plans and so much more. This is a vibrant resource which promotes both academic success and campus engagement.
These student support services can help the student stay connected and increase student graduation rates across the board. When parents can?t help their child solve problems with school, students need guidance from their school in order to succeed. Colleges also need to get families involved early, discussing financial aid, the application process, scholarships and possible careers their child can pursue. This will enable families to get a basic understanding of how the system works and ways they can help motivate their child in the process.
Institutions of higher education also need to show their presence in high school career and college fairs. They can encourage the students to take AP classes, provide after school information nights for students and families, and arrange campus visits with high school counselors.
Getting the message out early and supporting them when they get to college ? will give these students a glimpse of hope.
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