We define first-generation college students as those whose parents have no education beyond high school (irrespective of other family members, such as older siblings, aunts, or uncles).
Studies show that students who are the first in their families to attend college face extra challenges because they and their family members lack information about the college experience. Feeling less prepared for the academic and social environment found on campus and not knowing where to turn for help are common worries of first-generation students.
Students must be first-generation college students. They should have solid academic backgrounds, performing in the midrange of the universities’ admission standards. They must have demonstrated financial need and show the willingness and ability to follow their individualized strategic plan.
Selection teams are in place at each university. They follow criteria established by the First Scholars program. Special emphasis is given to the Student Strengths Inventory™ results, as these indicate which students will benefit most from the program.
Our program works with students to give them the best chance of success in college. We provide peer mentors and social activities to help students connect with the university. We help them find campus organizations to be involved in. We teach them how to navigate administrations such as registration, financial aid, and campus housing. We provide classes on time management and study skills, and provide academic tutoring as necessary.
As a requirement of the program, students take the Student Strengths Inventory™, which measure things such as how seriously students take their classes, their academic confidence, how they handle stress, their commitment to getting a college degree, and their confidence in social situations. The First Scholars program coordinator will use these results and work with student to come up with detailed success strategies targeted to work with their strengths and weaknesses.
A group of First Scholars participating in the program at the same time, most likely in the same graduation class.
Peer mentors are first-generation students who have been on campus for a year or two. They know what it’s like to be the first in their family to go to college and can relate to concerns of incoming scholars. Some of our partner universities provide these students with additional training about campus academic policies and call them peer advisors.
Research suggests that personality traits such as persistence, motivation, and commitment are strong predictors of success for first-generation students when compared with students whose families have a background of college attendance. The Student Strengths Inventory measures the characteristics students need to succeed in college. We select our students based upon these criteria, and use these results to create a personalized strategic plan for each program participant.
At this phase of our model development, each partner university launches its First Scholars program with a minimum cohort of 20 students.
First Scholars is funded by the Suder Foundation, based in Plano, Texas (just north of Dallas).
