First-generation students are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, higher levels of stress, lower levels of life satisfaction, and a decreased sense of belonging in higher education institutions. Greater anxiety symptoms in first-generation students may be due to increased general and acculturative stress.
Council for Opportunity in Education: The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Center for First-Generation Student Success: As college and university leaders and practitioners are actively seeking avenues to best meet the specific needs of first-generation students, the Center for First-generation Student Success emerges as a leader for scholarly discussion, information sharing, networking, and program development.
What I Have Learned as a First-Generation College Student (VIDEO): Lyric Swinton is keenly aware of how stereotypes can hinder one’s development, but she’s overcome the challenges of being a first-generation college student, and she wants us to know that we all play a role in helping others overcome their struggles
Empowering First-Generation College Students (SUPPORT GROUP): This group was formed at the conclusion of the National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Students In Transition conference in February 2015 as a way for workshop members to stay in touch.
First-Generation Students' Sense of Belonging, Mental Health, and Use of Counseling Services at Public Research Universities (RESEARCH): This study examines the sense of belonging, mental illness status, and usage of mental health services among first-generation students.
Campus Resources:
First-Generation Student Resources: Provided by the Intercultural Leadership and Engagement Center, this webpage provides information on resources that may be of interest to students that identify as a first-generation student. The Intercultural Center provides, multiple definiions for constitutes first-generation.
