Four Ways to Support First-Generation College Students

More than half of college students today are first-generation, or students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree. With such a significant part of the college student population identifying as first-generation, understanding how to support these students is critical. Navigating college can already be difficult for many students, but first-generation students are especially resilient as they are the first in their families to attend college, and therefore do not always have the same access to knowledge and resources as their peers. However, systemic barriers such as inconsistent student support, resource constraints, and basic needs insecurity greatly impact first-generation students, with only 27% completing their degree within four years.

In honor of national First-Generation College Celebration this November, we’re highlighting first-generation college students and sharing a variety of ways that campuses can support them throughout their higher education journey. Here are four ways campuses can support first-generation students:

1. Get in front of students early on in their college journey.
New student orientation is one of the first touchpoints in any college students’ journey. Sharing resources for first-generation students at new student orientation is a great way to reach more students as soon as they arrive on campus. Some colleges also offer specific programs for first-generation students during orientation.

2. Build a community for first-generation students.
Collaborate with other departments and programs, such as TRIO, student services, academic advising, and more, to host events and activities for first-generation students. If you have an on-campus food pantry space, consider hosting a First-Gen Open House at the beginning of the academic year to help get more students familiar with the pantry and other resources.

3. Engage in targeted outreach.
See if your campus has data and insights about first-generation students to better understand the experiences of these students specifically at your institution. You can also try to find (or start) a first-generation student list-serv to send emails or newsletters with helpful information for first-generation students.

4. Offer a “resource menu” for students.
Work with other offices and departments on campus that support first-generation students to create an all-inclusive, easily accessible “menu” of resources. If your college does not have a centralized location for this information, providing a brief resource guide or webpage can make it easier for students to be aware of and access these important resources.

Learn more about how to support first-generation college students in our latest resource guide, or watch a recording of our Swipe Session on first-generation students.

Swipe Out Hunger and TIAA are partnering to raise awareness around first-generation college students and ensure they have the support they need to succeed in their education. Learn more about this partnership here.