Against All Odds: Increasing College Access & Retention for First

Generation Students

Krystal Ferguson K-12 Senior Consultant

Krystal Ferguson is a K-12 Senior Consultant at Hobsons. Krystal received her Bachelors from James Madison University. She is currently pursing her master’s degree in Minority and Urban Education at the University of Maryland-College Park. Since joining the Naviance Professional Services team in October 2010, Krystal has assisted individual schools and school districts effectively implement Naviance at their schools to increase college and career readiness.

Problem? What Problem?

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Black, Latino and American Indian Freshmen Complete College at Lower

Rates Than Other Students

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

4 Years 5 Years 6 Years

Gra

duat

ion

Rat

es (%

)

Four-, Five-, and Six-Year Degree Attainment Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Black

AmericanIndianAsian

Latino

White

Source: DeAngelo, L., Franke, R., Hurtado,S., Pryor, J.H., & Tran,S. (2011). Completing college: Assessing graduation rates at four year institutions. Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA.

Only 30% of the adult population in the US have a

college degree

Source: Educational Attainment. (n.d.). in the United States: 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2014, from http://www.census.gov/hhes/socdemo/education/data/cps/2012/tables.html

6

Degree Attainment by Race/Ethnicity

19%

12%

37%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

Black Hispanic White

Percent between the ages of 25 and 29 with a college degree

Source: DeAngelo, L., Franke, R., Hurtado,S., Pryor, J.H., & Tran,S. (2011). Completing college: Assessing graduation rates at four year institutions. Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA.

Things aren’t going well…

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Who are our students?

50% enrolled are first-generation students

Lynch, M. (2013). It's Tough to Trailblaze: Challenges of First-Generation College Students. Diverse in Higher Education. Retrieved November 26, 2013, from http://diverseeducation.com/article/50898/

Minority students make up the largest demographics

of first-generation students

27% of first-generation students graduate

within 4 years

Graduated within: 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years

First-Generation Students 27% 45% 50%

Students Whose Parents Attended College

42% 60% 64%

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The 2011 UCLA Study Found That:

First Generation College Students Graduation Rates. (n.d.). Concordia University's Online Education Degrees. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/reference-material/first-generation-college-students-graduation-rates/

So, what should we know? “As educators, we do these students no great favor should they become—out of our own awareness—confused, frightened, and alienated, only to drift away and drop out. If we…mean for them to stay and not become attrition statistics, we need a keener understanding of the sensibilities and concerns they bring with them and of the difficulties they encounter along the way” (London, 1989, p.118)

Be from low-income families Be members of racial or ethnic minority groups particularly Hispanic or African American Have lower college entrance examinations Lack support from those at home including family and friends

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First Generation (FG) Students Tend To:

Shelton, C. (2011). Helping first-generation college students succeed. Journal of Psychological Issues in Organizational Culture, 1(4), 63-75.

Inadequate of Preparation - Theoretical (formal/book) knowledge - Heuristic (campus specific) knowledge

Cultural Adaption Financial Awareness

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Challenges Impacting FG Students

Lack of Preparation Not taking high school courses that are rigorous enough Lack important study and time management skills Experience more difficulty navigating the administrative aspects of academic life (i.e. registering for classes, meeting with advisors, choosing a major)

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Challenges Impacting FG Students

Cultural Adaption Cultural Shock/Stress Feelings of isolation and alienation Less likely to socialize with faculty or students outside of class More likely to feel overwhelmed or depressed

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Challenges Impacting FG Students

Financial Awareness Ability to pay for college greatly affects whether and how students interact with their college environment Lack of parental support Stress of attempting to balance a job and academics

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Challenges Impacting FG Students

So, what can we do?

Identify First Generation Students

Improve Pre-College Preparation

Increase Student Engagement

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Recommendations

Survey students to learn about their backgrounds and assess their postsecondary goals

Help to form early aspirations and plans for college

Early outreach to students and parents with information about the importance of postsecondary education

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Identify First Generation Students

Provide information about the gateway courses to college

Broaden exposure to and engagement with the college environment (i.e. web tours, promoting college visits)

Test Prep

Volunteer services & enrichment programs

Mentoring

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Improve Pre-College Preparation

Connect learning and life

Get creative to make the experience: - Relevant

- Fun

- Challenging

Promote critical thinking and team work

Create incentives for students

Engle, J. (2007). Postsecondary Access and Success for First-Generation College Students. American Academic, 25-48.

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Increase Student Engagement