Tips for Families of First Generation College Students
- By Holly Weakland, Co-Director, First Year Experience
- Published
Nearly one-third of all incoming freshmen each year are first generation college students, according to the U.S. Department of Education. A first generation college student is defined as a student coming from a family where neither of their parents or guardians have obtained a bachelor’s degree.
While being a first generation college student is a wonderful achievement, this group of students often faces challenges and obstacles their peers may not experience. For most first generation college students (FGCS), the opportunity to attend college is an honor and a privilege that their parents may not have had. These students need to know they are supported by their families, communities, and college administrators.
For families supporting their student(s), this is also a big transition. Some families may have a more challenging adjustment than others, especially if they had depended on their child caring for younger siblings, in a family business, or for additional income.
Here are some ways that families can help students:
News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330
3800 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27607-5298 | ©2024 All Rights Reserved.
3800 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27607-5298 © 2024 All Rights Reserved.