Back to the Basics: The Importance of Identifying First-Generation Students at KCKCC

At Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC), we understand that serving our students goes beyond simply offering classes and support services. Located in Wyandotte County—one of the most diverse areas in Kansas—we are committed to addressing the unique needs of our first-generation students. Our student body reflects this diversity, with about 30% Hispanic or Latino students, 20-25% Black or African American students, and around 40% White students. More than 60% of our students qualify for financial aid, including Pell Grants, indicating that many come from economically underserved backgrounds. However, we cannot assume our efforts are sufficient without ongoing research, data analysis, and targeted programming to meet their specific needs.

You can’t serve your first-generation students if you can’t find them!

For years, many of us at KCKCC believed that our general support services naturally catered to first-generation students, myself included! It seemed logical that our commitment to inclusivity would extend to these students. However, we soon recognized this was a flawed assumption. First-generation students encounter unique challenges—navigating financial aid, understanding academic expectations, and balancing family responsibilities. Often, they lack the familial guidance that can be crucial during the transition to college life. Acknowledging these challenges led a grassroots team of faculty, staff, and administrators to change our focus and dedicate ourselves to identifying and supporting first-generation students more effectively. Last fall, we started a First-Generation Advisory Council and got back to the basics.

Transforming Identification and Support

We realized that if we truly want to assist our first-generation students, we must first identify who they are. Last year, we revamped our admissions application to include a mandatory question about first-generation status. This wasn’t merely a formality; it was an essential step toward fostering a more inclusive environment. We also provided a clear definition of what being a first-generation student means to eliminate any confusion. Completely new to our institution, this simple change has enabled us to gather valuable data, helping us better understand who our first-generation students are and how we can tailor our outreach and support efforts.

By collecting this data, we have gained a clearer picture of the demographics we serve. Understanding our students’ backgrounds allows us to design programs and services that effectively meet their needs. It’s not enough to offer resources; we must ensure those resources are effective and accessible to the right people.

Enhancing Communication and Support Networks

Now that we can identify our first-generation students, our grassroots team can solicit feedback more effectively, create supportive networks, and advocate for their needs. This data-driven approach helps us understand the unique challenges these students face, whether related to financial literacy, academic preparedness, or emotional support.

With targeted programming based on our findings, we can implement initiatives like mentoring programs and tailored workshops to address specific barriers faced by first-generation students. These initiatives not only provide practical skills and emotional support but also foster a sense of belonging, which is crucial for students who may feel out of place in the college environment.

Our efforts to identify first-generation students at KCKCC reflect a broader commitment to equity and success. By focusing on data-driven identification and tracking, we enhance our ability to support first-generation students meaningfully. Effective support begins with understanding who our students are. This shift is not merely procedural; it’s a vital step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students at KCKCC. Together, we can empower our first-generation students to achieve their educational goals and thrive in their college experience. After all, when our students succeed, we all succeed.