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.

The Price of Ascending America’s Class Ladder

Being upwardly mobile can come at a cost to people’s relationships with the family, friends, and community they grew up with.

The Atlantic / September 16, 2019

Lincoln-Douglass Debate?: A View from Colorado State University

Is Abe Lincoln a first-gen hero?

Steven P. Dandaneau Ph.D. / September 13, 2019

I Was a Low-Income College Student. Classes Weren’t the Hard Part.

Anthony Abraham Jack, a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reflects on his own experience as a low-income, first-generation college student.

The New York Times Magazine / September 10, 2019

‘I’d filled out the FAFSA incorrectly, and I assumed it was the end of my education. It wasn’t — because my principal cared’

A new initiative in Chicago is ensuring more first-generation college-bound students are prepared for their postsecondary plans.

The Hechinger Report / September 10, 2019

What Changed in How the 2020 Best Colleges Rankings Were Calculated?

First-generation college students were added to the graduation rate performance calculations to give schools more credit for their graduation rates.

U.S. News & World Report / September 09, 2019

New Minnesota-made podcast offers student advice on college survival

Upperclassmen and faculty in Minnesota created a podcast to help first-generation college students navigate college.

Star Tribune / September 09, 2019

Universities Look to Add More Support For First-Generation Graduate Students

Research shows that universities could provide more support for first-generation graduate students and increase the number of students earning degrees.

EdSurge / September 06, 2019

In K-State, new dean of students Thomas Lane finds a proud community

As a first-generation student himself, Thomas Lane wants to provide first-generation college students the resources they need to succeed.

The Mercury / September 04, 2019

Student affairs creates BUFirst initiative for first generation college students

Butler University's new initiative for first-generation college students intends to guide students towards success on campus.

The Butler Collegian / September 04, 2019

How I Became an ‘Accidental’ Professor

As a first-generation college student, the idea of becoming a professor was unfathomable until she remembered that her resilience made anything possible.

The Atlantic / September 03, 2019

James Madison University set out to help 35 middle-schoolers become the first in their families to attend college

This James Madison University program prepares first-generation college-bound students to excel after high school graduation.

The Washington Post / August 31, 2019

Community and Leadership with GEN1

GEN1 launches new leadership program and First-Gen Learning community for students.

Cassandra Gonzalez M.P.A / August 30, 2019

Coaching Through College

A new coaching program works with colleges to provide mentoring and support to Pell-eligible, first-generation college students and guide them to graduation.

Inside Higher Ed / August 29, 2019

New Generation Of Mortuary Students Represent Industry Changes

First-gen mortuary students represent a major change in an industry long dominated by family businesses. They face their own set of challenges.

NPR / August 28, 2019

UT offers new programs, resources to first-gen students

Offices and organizations across campus are collaborating with a hope to make the college transition a little easier for incoming first-generation students.

The Daily Texan / August 28, 2019

Fostering Leadership Development in First-generation Students

Leadership is number four most desired trait in candidates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2018). This blog offers additional points of consideration in crafting leadership development opportunities.

Bridgette Behling M.Ed. / August 28, 2019

What I Remember About Orientation as a Low-Income, First-Generation Student

In this blog, doctoral student, Andrew Martinez, reflects on his experience through orientation programs as a first-generation college student.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education / August 27, 2019

Shaping the path to success for first generation students

First-generation student support programs at Boise State University highlight the importance of providing guidance and support.

The Arbiter / August 27, 2019