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Community colleges are essential in providing access to higher education. This access is critical for students who do not have parents with a four-year college degree. Known as first-generation students, this population is a large, diverse group that comprises nearly two-thirds of all community college enrollment, according to a study by NASPA.
Creating systems that promote the success of first-generation community college students will require a deep commitment from campus stakeholders. Leaders can begin by reimagining first-generation support that begins at admission and continues through graduation or transfer.
Through strategic internal and external partnerships, community colleges have the opportunity to create significant change in the lives of their first-generation students. Together, campuses can make the process of college-going and completing easier for not just first-generation students but all students!
1. Clarify Your Resources
NASPA research demonstrates that “…community and technical colleges offer an invaluable pathway to postsecondary education, often for students otherwise unlikely to enroll in higher education.” To ensure first-generation students have the best support possible, community colleges can begin by clarifying the available resources.
Dr. Stephanie Bannister, assistant vice president with the Center for First-generation Student Success at NASPA, recommends campuses ensure resources are outlined before the first day of school.
“[Colleges] should take time to create a map of resources and point them out to students from day one,” said Bannister. “This creates access from the very beginning.”
According to research in the Journal of First-generation Student Success, “First-generation students are less likely to seek help and resources on campus…exacerbating the challenges of acclimating to the institution.” Additionally, resources specific to first-gen students, like TRIO programs, may be located away from more familiar supports like advising or financial aid.
“We [as leaders] can do a better job of making the process of going and completing easier!” encouraged Bannister.
To best support first-generation students, campuses may consider developing a map or menu of resources. This map should indicate where campus resources are located, how they can be accessed, when students should utilize them, and who to contact for more information.
2. Create Opportunities for Community
First-generation students thrive when they have a supportive community of peers and advocates. Dr. Stephanie Bannister recommends that institutions normalize that the college experience can be intimidating for first-gen students.
“Normalize that it can feel like you’re the only one,” said Bannister. “I promise you’re not the only one going through this transition and navigating this process.”
Institutions can create welcoming communities for first-generation students by leveraging the campus supports already in place. If community colleges have a TRIO program, include those professionals in orientation and welcome week events. Faculty can establish learning communities tailored to first-generation students. All campus employees can identify themselves as first-generation on their syllabi, email signatures, or name tags.
Bannister also recommends campuses weave opportunities for community into their first-year programming. A great example would be establishing a common reading program.
“[Students] are on the same page, going to a shared space, and sharing about a shared experience. We can make sure students are connecting as a part of the first-year experience and nudge engagement early,” said Bannister.
Providing multiple opportunities for first-generation students to meet other first-gen peers and share their own stories is a powerful method for creating community on campus.
3. Start the Transfer Talk Early
Community colleges are a great place for students to earn their education. While some community colleges offer baccalaureate degrees, many institutions require students to transfer.
Research by the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Columbia University found that 80% of community college students want to earn a bachelor’s degree. However, only a quarter of those students end up transferring to a four-year institution.
Community colleges can be catalysts in improving these achievement gaps, especially those for first-generation students. By beginning with transfer in mind, students know from day one at their community college that transfer is the next step in achieving their educational goals.
Many institutions partner together to help support community college transfer students. However, Sinclair Community College goes above and beyond to specifically improve bachelor’s degree attainment for first-generation community college students.
Sinclair partners with the University of Dayton through the Kessler Scholars program. This program provides students with “…financial, academic, and personal [support] designed specifically to meet the needs of students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree.”
Dr. Heather Adams, senior program manager at the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, highlights the importance of this innovative program.
“I love what they are doing for first-generation college students…because of the inclusive and collaborative partnership with Dayton and their involvement in the Kessler Scholars Program, educators at Sinclair [Community College] are able to provide first-gen students with early advising and connection to college culture, which we know in the research is important for success,” said Adams.
By supporting transfer from day one, the Kessler Scholars Program seeks to serve first-generation students by planning and supporting students far beyond their days at the community college.
4. Demystify the Experience
First-generation students need access to the academic, social, and career support that many campuses provide. However, these resources can be intimidating to pursue as a first-generation student.
According to Adams, “…demystifying the process for first-generation college students is key. It’s easy as a first-gen student to step onto a college campus and feel as though there are unwritten rules in higher education that you don’t know about.”
Community college leadership, faculty, and staff can come together to not only encourage the utilization of supports, but ensure students are supported regardless of where they go on campus. This begins with fostering a campus community that wants every student to succeed.
“Creating a sense of community and a college-promoting culture early in a learner’s experience can empower first-generation students with a sense of belonging and ownership of their college journey,” said Adams.
Key Takeaway
Community colleges are a critical force in supporting the needs of first-generation students. By developing a clear map of resources, providing early transfer support, and extending opportunities for engagement, community colleges can set their first-generation students up for incredible success.
