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Lessons Learned: Working with First-Generation Students

Lessons Learned: Working with First-Generation Students. Anna Takahashi Eastside College Prep Share, Learn, Connect March 2014. Defining “First Generation”.

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Lessons Learned: Working with First-Generation Students

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  1. Lessons Learned: Working with First-Generation Students Anna Takahashi Eastside College Prep Share, Learn, Connect March 2014

  2. Defining “First Generation” • Students whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year undergraduate degree (per US Department of Education, University of California, etc.) • Other considerations: • Students whose parents were educated outside the US • Underemployment • Different educational systems • Children whose parents recently received their 4-year degree • May not be the first in the family to attend college • May or may not also be a first-generation American • Can come from different income backgrounds

  3. % Distribution of US 5- to 17-Year Olds by First Gen Status and Race/Ethnicity Source: College Board via NCES

  4. Some Numbers • 4.5 million low-income, first-generation students in post-secondary education (24% of the undergraduate population) • Low-income, first-generation students were nearly four times more likely to leave higher education after the first year than students who had neither of these risk factors. • Six years later, 43% of low-income, first-generation students had left college without earning their degrees. Among those who left, 60% did so after the first year. Only 11% earned their bachelors degrees. • Low-income, first-generation students were actually seven times more likely to earn bachelor’s degrees if they started in four-year institutions, but only 25% of them did so. • Only 14% of low-income, first-generation students attending public two-year and for-profit institutions transferred to four-year institutions within 6 years. (2008 Pell Institute Study)

  5. Challenges Facing First-Generation Students in College Access • Financial • Cultural • Structural • Bump in the road? Detour? Road block?

  6. Financial Challenges Facing First-Generation Students in College Access • Pre-college costs • Registering to take standardized tests • Sending test scores • College application fees • Financial aid application fees (CSS PROFILE) • Enrollment deposits • Housing application fees/deposits • Visiting campuses • Sticker shock from costs of attendance

  7. Financial Challenges Facing First-Generation Students in College Access • Maneuvering financial aid • Hoping for the “full ride” • Loan aversion • Loan gullibility • Reading financial aid award letters (PLUS loans) • Covering costs for one year vs. four/five years • Unforeseen expenses • Travel to/from campus • “Miscellaneous Fees” – student services, printing, ID card, laundry, orientation, parking, etc. • AB 540 students and/or undocumented parents

  8. Cultural Challenges Facing First-Generation Students in College Access • Limited knowledge (types of colleges, geographic areas, majors, selection criteria, etc.) • “Liberal arts” vs. professional degree/career • Pressure or lack of support from family, peers, community • Family responsibilities and priorities • Leaving home/leaving the family • When the going gets tough, “come home” • Stereotypes of college (whitewashing, reppin’)

  9. Structural Challenges Facing First-Generation Students in College Access • Academic preparation • Too many sources of information – what’s relevant? What’s trustworthy? • So many moving pieces • Starting too late • Deadlines • Logistics – eg., registering, prepping, taking tests, sending scores, following up, etc. • Completing forms • Unfamiliar vernacular

  10. Learning Another Language Bachelors Loans Interview Score Choice Deposit ACT FAFSA Cost of Attendance Common App CSU Application Need-blind UC Portfolio Dependent Financial Aid CalGrant Grants Test Prep Division 1 SAT Early Decision In-state SIR WUE A-g Early Action Placement Tests Portal Community college EPT/ELM

  11. Addressing the Academic Challenges • Start early (middle school program) and mandatory summer bridge for rising 6th and 9th graders • Exceed requirements for admission to 4-year colleges (AP, college courses); highly structured • Extra writing built into the curriculum including several major research papers in 11th and 12th grades • College readiness built into the humanities curriculum • Summer course offerings including CC classes

  12. Addressing the Academic Challenges • Small class sizes • Extended school day • Tutorials led by faculty • Set high standards • All students take at least two AP classes • All students take the PSAT in 9th, 10th and 11th • SAT prep built into the curriculum (10th and 11th)

  13. Addressing the Cultural Challenges • Creating a college-going culture where all are expected to go to four-year colleges • Close-knit, family environment • Summer enrichment program • Parent volunteer hours • “EFC” • Dedicated classroom space for the college center in the middle of campus • Alumni support team • Emphasis on “adult responsibilities” for seniors

  14. Addressing Resource Challenges • Extended school day • Alumni support team • Career pathways program for alumni • Community service built into graduation requirements • College trips for juniors • Exposure to a range of colleges • Keeping an open mind about college choices • Dedicated space for the college center

  15. Addressing Resource Challenges • College counseling course (Senior College Prep) in 12th • 2-week “boot camp” before start of 12th grade • Mandatory that all students apply to local CSU • Completion of college applications by mid December • Completion of financial aid applications in class in January • Mandatory student/parent meeting in April to discuss college options

  16. Addressing Resource Challenges • Senior College Prep (cont.) • Transition to college topics covered • Personal finance and financial literacy • Self-advocacy and “adult responsibilities” • Opportunities to bring in alumni, parents, guest speakers, et al.

  17. This boils down to… • Building relationships (students, families, faculty, colleagues, college representatives, community leaders, alumni, et al). • Setting and communicating high standards • Being flexible – there is no such thing as a “typical” day • Having a sense of humor – laugh from the belly • Believing

  18. Contact Info: Anna Takahashi Director of College Counseling Eastside College Prep annat@eastside.org 650-688-0850 x103

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