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An Initiative Of NASPA and The Suder Foundation

Research & Policy

Dedicated first-generation research allows for evidence-based decision-making that is critical to student success. This section highlights both foundational research and recent scholarship that informs understanding of the student experience, institutional approaches to programming, and identification of supports and barriers for first-generation students. Timely updates on public policy discussions shaping first-generation student success are also provided. 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.

three students studying in libary
The Role of Accelerated Learning and Financial Aid

The present study investigated the association of accelerated learning in high school and financial aid on academic outcomes for Hispanic FGCS and Hispanic non-FGCS.

April 2018
university campus fall leaves
Examining the Inclusivity of Parent and Family College Orientations

This study examined the inclusivity language and general characteristics of 82 orientation programs across 35 states in the U.S.

April 2018
An Analytical Investigation of the Characteristics of the Dropout Students in Higher Education

Student dropout in higher education institutions is a universal problem.

April 2018
two latino students studying
Peer mentoring to support first-generation low-income college students

Transitioning from high school to college can be a formidable challenge, especially for students who are the first in their family to attend college (first-generation) and/or are from low-income backgrounds. The authors’ qualitative investigation of a college mentoring program illuminates the potential value of relatable peer mentors in helping these students get off to a good start.

Phi Delta Kappan / March 2018
2018 convening
2018 Convening on First-generation Student Success

This report introduces the Center for First-generation Student Success, provides insight into the January 2018 Convening.

The Center / March 2018
Understanding Experiences for First Generation University Students
Understanding Experiences for First Generation University Students

Over the past few decades universities have opened their doors to students whose parents and grandparents were historically excluded from societal participation and higher education for reasons associated with racial, ethnic, socio-economic and/or linguistic diversity.

Bell & Santamaria / February 2018
Educated: A Memoir
Educated: A Memoir

An unforgettable memoir about a young girl who, kept out of school, leaves her survivalist family and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.

Westover / February 2018
Technology and Engagement
Making Technology Work for First-Generation College Students

Technology and Engagement is based on a four-year study of how first generation college students use social media, aimed at improving their transition to and engagement with their university.

Rowan-Kenyon, Martinez Aleman, & Savitz-Roman / February 2018
Pell Indicators Report 2018
Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States

This report compiles historical statistical data to track college entrance and completion by family income, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity.

The Pell Institute & PennAHEAD / February 2018
Beyond Financial Aid
BEYOND FINANCIAL AID

How colleges can strengthen the financial stabilityof low-income students and improve student outcomes

Lumina Foundation / February 2018
Stats in Brief 1
College Access, Persistence, and Postbachelor's Outcomes

Explore the findings on first-generation students' success compared with their peers whose parents attended at least some college.

U.S. Department of Education / National Center for Educational Statistics / February 2018
University Library
Understanding the experiences and needs of 1G students at Duke

While this report focuses on the experiences emphasizes that 1G challenges are student challenges: support or expansions of campus and library services targeted toward 1G students will help all students succeed.

January 2018
Sonja's Book
College Aspirations and Access in Working-Class Rural Communities: The Mixed Signals, Challenges, and New Language First-Generation Students Encounter

This book explores how a working class, rural environment influences rural students’ opportunities to pursue higher education and engage in the college choice process. Based on a case study with accounts from rural high school students and counselors, this book examines how these communities perceive higher education and what challenges arise for both rural students and counselors.

Ardoin / December 2017
ACT Issue Brief 2017
Accelerated Learning and Financial Aid Associated with Positive Academic Outcomes

To address this gap, the current study focused on comparing several college outcomes between Hispanic FGCS and Hispanic non-FGCS.

ACT / December 2017
70% of respondents
I'm Having a Little Struggle With This, Can You Help Me Out?

This study investigates a novel intervention that focuses on the development of skills and attitudes to empower first‐generation college students.

Society for Community Research and Action / Nov 27, 2017
First Generation and Continuing
First-generation and Continuing-generation College Students

This brief looks at patterns of first-gen students and continuing-generation college students.

U.S. Department of Education / September 2017
group of hands writing
Support for First-Generation College Students

This qualitative case study explores students' perceptions of institutional support and sense of belonging within the college environment.

Journal of College Student Development / Sep 1, 2017
Differences in GPA by Gender and Ethnicity/Race as a Function of First-Generation Status for Community College Students

This investigation addresses the difference between first-generation and non-first-generation students by gender and ethnicity/race for community college students.

Global Journal of Human-Social Science Research / Aug 14, 2017