Challenges that First-Generation Students Must Overcome:

• Lower quality primary and secondary education than students with parents who went to college
  • “Eighth grade algebra, viewed as a “gateway course” to more advanced math was not even offered in schools attended by one-fifth of first-generation students in the United States” (Banks-Santilli).
  • This is extremely problematic because studies have shown that a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes reading and math can improve first-generation students’ chances of going to college (Banks-Santilli)
• First-generation students receive little to no guidance from their parents, as they “are less likely to help their children prepare for college entrance exams, accompany them on college tours, seek information regarding financial aid or attend information sessions” than parents who went to college (Banks-Santilli).
• The compounding effects of receiving a lower quality education and navigating the process alone makes attending college an extremely daunting task for them

How Can We Help First-Generation Students Specifically?

• We can promote pre college programs like Upward Bound, which helps first-generation and low income students “generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school [who have] academic potential but lack adequate secondary support” (“Upward Bound”).
• According to a study by The Pell Institute, these programs and an increase in funding for college counseling in high immigrant, low income neighborhoods has a concrete effect in helping first-generation students succeed (O’Brien).
• These programs would open many doors for students who may feel like college is not an option