First-Generation College Student: Definition, Challenges, and Support
When you do something that no one's done before, you're setting a precedent. You're the blueprint - the start of a new legacy. A first-generation college student is typically defined as an individual whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. This definition, while common, can vary slightly among schools and institutions. This article explores the nuances of this definition, the challenges faced by first-generation students, and the resources available to support their success.
Defining a First-Generation College Student
According to Dr. James Winfield, associate dean of First Year Experience, general education & retention strategies for the Global Campus at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), if neither of your parents have a four-year college degree, that makes you a first-generation student. In his role, Winfield oversees and supports online students in their first year and those undergoing various transitions throughout their college experience.
While this definition is widely accepted, institutions may have their own specific criteria. Dr. Zlotkowski said, "We define first-generation on SNHU's campus as a student who does not live with a parent or guardian who earned a bachelor's degree on a traditional college campus."
The George Washington University (GW) defines first-generation college students as those whose parents did not complete a four-year, baccalaureate degree. They also recognize that there are many definitions for what it means to be a first-gen college student.
The Importance of College
The short answer is yes, college is important for many reasons, from expanding your opportunities to helping you make valuable connections in your career. College offers numerous benefits, including expanded career opportunities and valuable networking connections.
Read also: Navigating Your First Year
The Significance of Being First-Generation
Being a first-generation college student is a significant achievement, often filled with pride and the desire to create a new legacy. For many, it's a tribute to their families and a way to give back to their communities.
“Being a first-generation college student means the world to me,” Hazen said. “I hope to show my family that everything that I did through this SNHU program was for them,” she said.
For Yasmine Molinari ’22, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology from SNHU, the accomplishment was a tribute to her mother. “I had to grab this first-generation stole today because I am very proud to be able to accomplish this,” she said after walking at Commencement. Molinari said she plans to use her degree to give back to others.
Jerron Trice ‘24, who graduated from SNHU with a bachelor’s in business administration, said, “It feels good to be first generation. I believe I'm breaking a cycle in my family and my lineage and starting a new cycle of college graduates from starting with me on going forward.”
Common Challenges Faced by First-Generation Students
First-generation students often encounter unique challenges as they navigate the complexities of higher education. These challenges can range from a lack of practical support to financial difficulties and feeling a sense of disconnect from the college environment.
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"What can be difficult is that they are missing the practical support necessary to navigate the campus and our various written and unwritten rules," Zlotkowski said. She noted parents and guardians of first-gen students might not be able to offer as much help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and paying for college, understanding expectations and figuring out how to prepare for post-college life.
Some specific challenges include:
- Navigating the college environment: Understanding campus resources, academic expectations, and unspoken rules can be difficult without familial guidance.
- Financial Aid and Planning: Completing the FAFSA and managing college finances can be overwhelming without prior experience or support.
- Lack of Familiar Guidance: Parents may not be able to provide advice on academic matters or post-college planning due to their own lack of experience.
Resources and Support Systems
Fortunately, many institutions offer resources and support systems specifically designed to help first-generation students overcome these challenges and thrive in college.
"On SNHU's campus, we have wonderful support available for first-gen students," Zlotkowski said.
Here are some examples of resources at the University of Georgia (UGA):
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- Academic Coaching: UGA’s Academic Coaching supports first-generation students in setting goals, overcoming challenges, and planning next steps.
- Accessibility and Testing: UGA’s Accessibility and Testing supports students with disabilities by providing accommodations that help you succeed in your academic journey.
- Exploratory Center: If you’re a first-generation student still figuring out which major is right for you, UGA’s Exploratory Center is available to guide you through the process.
- Peer Tutoring: UGA’s Office for Student Success and Achievement offers free tutoring through its Peer Education program.
- TRIO: TRIO is designed to support first-gen students like you by offering academic advising, tutoring, and workshops that help you succeed in your classes.
- Writing Center: The Jill and Marvin Willis Center for Writing is here to support all UGA writers with any writing project.
- OSSA First Generation Help: Want to chat with someone in OSSA’s First Generation program?
- Connect Abroad: The Connect Abroad program offers first-year students a unique opportunity to explore new cultures while earning academic credit. Every Connect Abroad participant will receive an Experiential Learning Scholarship of at least $400 to be used for Connect Abroad program fees and expenses.
- Gilman Scholarship: The Gilman Scholarship provides scholarships for undergraduate students study abroad. Scholarships can provide up to $5,000, which can ease the financial burden of studying overseas.
- Greek Life: Greek Life at UGA offers students a close-knit community within the larger university, helping you build friendships, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact.
- International Student Life (ISL): ISL’s mission is to enhance your college experience by welcoming you into their diverse community.
- Involvement Network: The Involvement Network is essential for your time at UGA! Discover and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your involvement.
- Mentor Program: The UGA Mentor Program can help you build meaningful relationships that support your life and career goals.
- Multicultural Services and Programs (MSP): Explore spaces, celebrate heritage months, and connect with student organizations through Multicultural Services and Programs (MSP).
- Office of Student Financial Aid: The Office of Student Financial Aid at UGA helps students pay for college.
- Pride Center: Whether you’re looking to connect with others, join supportive student groups, or find valuable resources, the Pride Center is your home away from home.
- Student Transitions: Student Transitions at UGA aims to connect you to resources, help you find your place on campus, and support your needs as a incoming student.
- First Generation Dawg Pack: Connect with fellow first-generation students, share your journey, and discover valuable resources and opportunities to help you fully embrace your UGA experience.
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at UGA offers a range of mental health services to support students.
- Recreational Sports: UGA Recreational Sports offers students a variety of activities to stay active, reduce stress, and have fun.
- Student Care and Outreach: Student Care and Outreach (SCO) at UGA is here to support you on your journey as a first-generation college student.
GW also has resources:
- FIRST GEN UNITED: First Gen United (FGU) is GW's only student organization comprised of and for first-generation college students.
- Blaze the Trail: The First-Gen Living Learning Community: This residential experience supports first-generation college students with their transition from high school into college by building belonging through intentional programming, and connecting students with relevant campus resources.
- First Friday Dinners & Workshops: Held on the first Friday of every month, these free, casual dinners help build a stronger first-gen student community where you can get to know other first-gen students and build a network of peers. Prior to each dinner, a 45-minute skill development workshop is hosted to share resources and connect you to support services and skills for a successful college experience.
- Founding Scholars: Founding Scholars welcomes incoming first-generation college students to life at GW through on-campus activities and outings in D.C. The goal of Founding Scholars is to reduce barriers between first-gen students and continuing-generation peers, thereby catapulting you to a successful start to your college experience.
- First Gen Faculty & Staff Alliance: The goal of the GW First-Generation Alliance is to show our first-gen students that there are faculty, staff, and alumni with similar experiences and/or maybe be first-generation themselves.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for first-generation college students to help them succeed:
- Acknowledge Your Journey: "Acknowledge that you are on an exciting and unique journey," Winfield said.
- Connect with Your Advisor: He said your academic advisor is your advocate and can support you through any challenges you face while earning your degree.
- Connect with Others: Zlotkowski recommended connecting with your instructors and other first-gen students, too.
- Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of the support services and resources offered by your institution.
- Stay Motivated: If you take advantage of available resources and stay motivated, the finish line could soon be within reach.
- Build a Community: Connect with other first-generation students to share experiences and provide mutual support.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate college and your future career.
First-Generation Celebration Week
Save the date for Nov. 3-8, 2025, for First-Generation Celebration Week, celebrating the achievements, experiences, and contributions of first-gen college students, faculty, and staff at UGA. The University of Michigan celebrates and connect with First-Gens November 3 to 7.
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