Supporting first-generation students in higher education

From application to completion, these resources for institutions, teachers and support staff offer advice to ensure that first-gen students thrive

First-generation students spotlight image

The number of students who are first-in-family to enter higher education is growing. But they face specific challenges through their learning journeys. Increasing awareness that this cohort might need extra guidance and support to build networks and academic skills has resulted in more programmes and initiatives to foster belonging and boost retention and completion rates. This collection of resources offers advice on aspects including making admission processes more equitable, implementing peer-to-peer mentoring, involving families in the journey and navigating the effects of the affirmative action ban in the US.

Resilience and empowerment: reframing the narrative for first-gen students

First-generation students bring resilience and determination to their college journey. Based on her own experience, Lisa M. Lee explains how universities can support students from a place of strength rather than deficit

Lisa M. Lee

Virginia Tech

Making application and admissions more equitable

Student support group

How can we encourage more prospective first-generation students to apply to university?

Reflecting on her experiences as a first-generation student and widening participation practitioner, Raeesah Ellis-Haque shares insight into how universities can ensure communications and outreach activities speak to prospective first-generation students

Raeesah Ellis-Haque

University of Bristol

African American student accepted to university

Transforming admissions for first-gen university student enrolment

Attracting and retaining first-generation college students is a pivotal goal for higher education institutions seeking diversity and inclusivity, and college admissions faculty play a vital role in this process, writes Juan Espinoza

Juan Espinoza

Virginia Tech

First generation student worried by the college applications process

How to ensure college admissions are equitable and accessible

As a first-generation college student, Aimee Huffstetler knows how daunting the application process can be. Now working in enrolment, she shares advice on what higher education administrators can do to ensure more equitable and accessible admissions

Aimee Huffstetler

Gwynedd Mercy University

Female college student

Gatekeepers or greeters? We must demystify university for first-gen students

Stone Meredith gives advice on using positive introductory phrases and how this can help first-generation students navigate university

Stone Meredith

Colorado State University Global

The affirmative action ban is not an insurmountable setback for higher education access

As institutions across the US reassess their admissions practices following the ban on affirmative action, the president of Arizona State University Michael Crow points to many other ways institutions can increase the diversity of their students

Michael Crow

Arizona State University

How to welcome first-generation students into higher education

Students walking onto campus

How to help first-generation students navigate the challenges of higher education

First-generation students face unique challenges. Here are some strategies to help them succeed

Lyn R. Keith

The University of the West Indies

Universities must bridge the gap between diversity and belonging

Universities must do better at bridging the gap between diversity and belonging

Lillian Nave outlines the three key interventions required for universities to help diverse students learn about, accept and participate in each other’s worlds

Lillian Nave

Appalachian State University

Student studying online at home

How to establish peer-to-peer support networks for online, first-generation students

Given the limited opportunities for organic peer-to-peer interactions online, universities must use a data-driven approach to create opportunities for students to build connections, writes Nesha Thompson

Nesha Thompson

The University of the West Indies

Three college students in graduation gowns jumping

How to keep first-generation students engaged throughout the academic year

Engagement opportunities don’t end with orientation or even the first year of study. Here, Araceli Martinez and Athina Cuevas explain how to build a programme that helps students develop confidence and leadership skills and support the next cohort

Araceli Martinez , Athina Cuevas

Chapman University

Targeted support to enhance retention among first-generation students

Outreach initiatives and support programmes can address first-generation students’ challenges, such as belonging and financial literacy, while increasing retention and graduation rates. Here, Charmaine Troy shares her recommendations

Charmaine Troy

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Fostering social mobility

How universities can ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected

How universities can ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected

A first-generation college student herself now working in enrolment, Aimee Huffstetler, shares insight into what administrators can do to ensure first-generation students and their families feel connected to their university

Aimee Huffstetler

Gwynedd Mercy University

Social mobility at university

Is it time to rethink social mobility discourse and the meaning of ‘success’?

We must remember that while social mobility is a valuable goal, it’s not one with which all students are willing or able to conform, say Louise Ashley and William Monteith

Louise Ashley, William Monteith

Queen Mary University of London

Black, Latinx and first-generation students need help garnering social capital if their higher education investment is to pay off in terms of a career

If we truly want a level playing field, we must focus on social capital

For minoritised students to really benefit from HE, they need support to understand the world of work, build connections and activate networks

Andy Chan, Kristina Francis

Wake Forest University, JFFLabs

Digital illustration of mountain

Defining first-generation is harder than you think

The first step towards providing better support for first-generation students should be to acknowledge the variety of definitions that exist and develop a better shared understanding of how those definitions affect students

Brian Heseung Kim

Common App

Leveraging internships to empower first-generation students

Professional placements – whether paid or unpaid – offer practical, hands-on experiences aligned with students’ academic pursuits and help level the playing field for first-gen students in competitive job markets

Lisa M. Lee

Virginia Tech

Building belonging and engagement

Neon blue welcome sign

How can universities ensure all new students feel welcome?

Nikki Anghileri and Elizabeth Parker share practical tips on executing an impactful and memorable welcome transition programme for new students from diverse backgrounds

Nikki Anghileri, Elizabeth Parker

St Mary’s University Twickenham

Getting your university admission team's online engagement right can help attract and keep prospective students

The top three engagement challenges facing admissions teams and how to solve them

Whether it's due to ‘ghosting’ or ‘student melt’, prospective students are harder than ever before to attract and hold on to, but a combination of tech and human solutions is at hand

Ardis Kadiu

Element451

Group of people of various ages and nationalities lean in together

Belonging: why it is the next step on the equity, diversity and inclusion ladder

Belonging feels good, improves student retention rates and supports other EDI efforts. Joanna West offers six ways campuses can foster this intangible essential

Joanna West

University of Luxembourg