News & Blogs

Find the latest from the Center, learn new and innovative approaches from colleagues, and engage with current mainstream media conversations on first-generation student success. In addition to the filters below, please utilize the “search” bar in the top, right corner to search by keyword, author name, or publication title.

First Generation United hosts weekly online meetings during pandemic

A student organization for first generation students is providing online support for its members to adapt to the stress of returning home.

The GW Hatchet / April 23, 2020

College Advising Groups Quickly Move Online During COVID-19

Scores of nonprofit organizations have stepped in to offer a service that overwhelmed schools couldn’t provide: expert college advice.

The 74 / April 22, 2020

Inequities in Tech Persist During the Coronavirus

ACT summarizes results from a survey of college-hopeful high school students about their technological devices and internet connection.

ACT / April 20, 2020

The Underrepresented, Underprivileged Hit Hard by COVID-19

Universities are working hard to respond to COVID-19, but for students who rely heavily on campus resources, the basic needs list continues to grow.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education / April 19, 2020

Embracing the difficulties of being a first-generation college student

Coming from a low-income family, Gisselle Reyes found navigating higher education as a first-gen student a both daunting and honorable task.

The Daily Californian / April 18, 2020

Four Years and a Legacy

University of Miami's first-generation student support initiative, Empower Me First, is four years young and creating a lasting impact for its first-generation community.

Whitley M. Johnson M.A.Ed. / April 17, 2020

Two-Tiered Mentoring of First-gen Students at VCU

VCU expands its mentoring program to serve students better.

Daphne L. Rankin Ph.D. / April 17, 2020

Centering First-generation Work in Foggy Times

Amid planning for the 2020 First Generation Institute, we must consider the changing context at the University of Minnesota during uncertain times and the importance of community in continuing the work into the future.

Rashné Jehangir, Ph.D. & Terra Molengraff, M.A. / April 17, 2020

My First-generation Study Abroad Experience

One first-generation student’s sense of belonging began when they travelled abroad with other first-generation students.

Hannah T. Rodriguez / April 17, 2020

COVID-19 Is a Pivotal Moment for Students. Can Colleges Step Up?

For students who struggle to stay enrolled and for institutions who say they are committed to keeping them, COVID-19 may be a make-or-break moment.

The Chronicle of Higher Education / April 14, 2020

Center Newsletter 4.14.20

In this edition: Center Advocacy Group Updates; Today’s Students Coalition Member; Upcoming #SAChat

FirstGen Forward / April 14, 2020

What an interrupted school year means for these college students

COVID-19 has disrupted school for some 20 million students. Many are continuing their studies online, but the transition is not easy for all of them.

PBS News Hour / April 14, 2020

The Creative Failure Academy

Now more than ever, higher ed needs innovative leaders who are equipped to usher in change. Fortunately, creative leadership can be learned.

Colin Stewart & Robert D. Kelly / April 14, 2020

A Q&A on Advancing Equity in Higher Education Amid Coronavirus

For some students, the COVID-19 pandemic did not start a basic needs crisis; it exacerbated one that was already there.

Center for American Progress / April 13, 2020

How the pandemic could shatter college dreams

Some high school seniors are dropping their first-choice schools for cheaper colleges. Others are taking a year off so they can help their families.

Politico / April 12, 2020

Lessons from a Survey on First-gen Student Finances

How institutions can creatively champion students through challenging circumstances

Zayd Abukar M.A. / April 10, 2020

Considering Domestic Study Away Trips for First-gen Students

One school's response to making global learning accessible to first-gen students through a domestic study away trip.

Crystal L. Edenfield Ed.D. / April 09, 2020

Retaining High-Risk Students Amid the Coronavirus

Higher education needs a national coalition to both keep and recruit students, especially those at risk, and build a digital infrastructure.

Inside Higher Ed / April 08, 2020