First in the Family: What Works for First-Generation College Students

For students who are the first in their families to attend college, navigating higher education can be particularly challenging, in part because they can’t turn to their families for guidance from experience. But some programs are starting to work with families before students even apply to college, offering information and support to help the students succeed once they enroll. How might such programs, in addition to other ways of supporting first-generation students, help them better adapt to college?

• Audree Hernandez, College Advising Corps
• Maureen Hoyler, Council for Opportunity in Education
• Ricardo Nieland Jr., Arizona State University
• Alejandro Perilla, Arizona State University American Dream Academy
• Andrew Theen, The Oregonian (moderator)