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Breaking Barriers: Unraveling First-Generation Students’ Social Networks for Success

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Reference: Wittner, B., Barthauer, L., & Kauffeld, S. (2023). Accessibility and mobilisation of social capital in first-generation students’ social networks—A mixed-methods approach. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 25(2), 254–278. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025120979643 Summarized By: Ariel Ervin About the Study First-generation college students are an underrepresented population who are less likely to start a […]

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Exploring the college transitional stories of first-generation college students engaged in division III athletics

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Zlotkowski, L. (2023). The unique challenges and demands of first-generation college students who participate in division III athletics. Journal of First-Generation Student Success. https://doi.org/10.1080/26906015.2023.2222050 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest: First-generation college students face more challenges than their peers in navigating college. Because student-athletes need to maintain their athleticism and academics to succeed, it’s imperative to […]

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How do mentoring relationships affect the college enrollment of first-generation college students?

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Glass, L. E. (2023). Social capital and first-generation college students: Examining the relationship between mentoring and college enrollment. Education and Urban Society, 55(2), 143–174. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131245221076097 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  There is a progressively big gap in college graduation rates among first-generation and low-income students. Studies indicate that this notable disparity stems from a lack […]

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New study explores first-generation mentoring in college students

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Hagler, M. A. (2023). Mentoring first-generation college students: Examining distinct relationship profiles based on interpersonal characteristics, support provision, and educational capital. Journal of Community Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.23003 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  While more and more first-generation students are enrolling in college, they are still less likely to receive their bachelor’s degree for various reasons (e.g., […]

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What are the benefits and motives of becoming college peer mentors in sports?

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Hayman, R., Wharton, K., Bruce-Martin, C., & Allin, L. (2022). Benefits and motives for peer mentoring in higher education: An exploration through the lens of cultural capital. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning.  https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2022.2057098 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest: Evidence demonstrates that adapting to academic and social demands are two of the most challenging aspects […]

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How can peers make a difference in first-generation college students’ purpose in life?

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Lund, T. J., Liang, B., Lincoln, B., White, A. E., Mousseau, A. M. D., Mejia Gomez, L. A., & Akins, E. (2022). Purpose in life among first-generation college Students: Friends make a difference. Youth, 2(1), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth2010002 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest: Having a purpose in life is associated with many positive academic, […]

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Make new friends, but keep the old: A longitudinal study of first-generation students’ mentoring relationships during their transition to college

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Hagler, M. A., Christensen, K. M., & Rhodes, J. E. (2021). A Longitudinal Investigation of First-Generation College Students’ Mentoring Relationships During Their Transition to Higher Education. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, https://doi.org/10.1177/15210251211022741 Summarized by Ariel Ervin Notes of Interest:  Many factors, such as affordability and limited cultural capital, contribute to the barriers many […]

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PBS NewsHour: Why first-generation students need mentors who get them

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PBS’ September 20, 2016, podcast of their NewsHour series tackled the importance of mentors to first-generation college students. To access the podcast, click here. You can find the transcript of the essay from novelist Jennine Capo Crucet below, as well.   GWEN IFILL: We close with an essay. Novelist Jennine Capo Crucet grew up in […]

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Shine a light on it: Talking about class differences with first-gen students helps them succeed

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By Clifton B. Parker, Stanford Talking about class differences can help close the collegiate achievement gap between first- and continuing-generation students, according to Stanford research. Research has shown that first-generation college students – those who do not have a parent with a college degree – often lag behind other students in grades and graduation rates. […]

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When Mentoring First-Generation College Students, It Is The Little Things That Make The Difference

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How to Help First-Generation Students Succeed A combination of simple nudges and regular check-ins from mentors can go a long way. Written by Mikhail Zinshteyn, Education Writers Association A few weeks ago Reina Olivas got on the phone with a freshman college student. “She was having a hard time with the cultural experience, the college […]

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