FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS VERSUS SECOND -Closing the Gap- By Juliet McGee and Kamand Fadaee

SO WHAT? The major differences The interesting similaritiesWhy it is important to close the gapWays to do soWhat we researched:

WHAT DID WE FIND?Discouraging statistics&Personal stories that DONT confirm what society thinks

ALSO, Innovative ways to Close the Gap&Steps already being taken to do so!

STATISTICS1/3 of college students are first generation(CollegeBoard.com)

Of These, 30% of incoming freshman in the Fall 2014 season were first generation students(USA Today)

26% of first generation college students drop out within their first year(The Pell Institute)

By Kansas State UniversityExamples of Why These Statistics are True

THE DIFFERENCESLack of experienced advice and guidance (University of Cincinnati) Financial preparation in most cases (University of California) Support and expectations (Laura, Smith)Preparation through high school courses (College Summit) Drop out rates and college GPA (The Pell Institute)

SOMEONE WHO CHALLENGEDTHESE FACTS AND STATS

THE SIMILARITIESStress LevelsCourse Work LoadScholarship ApplicationsOn Campus Involvement

AN INTERESTING VIEWPOINT First generation student &A second generation student

KAYLIN

BOTH PARENTS GRADUATED FROM UNCC

MICHALA

HER FATHER OPENED HIS OWN MECHANIC SHOP AT 19 AND HER MOTHER STAYED HOME TO RAISE CHILDREN

NOW WE KNOW THAT ONLY A FEW BEAT THE ODDS AND CHALLENGE THE FACTS. SO WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CLOSE THE GAP?

FIRST, WHAT DOES CLOSING THE GAP MEAN?Decreasing the percentage between first generation college students and second generation college students, in hopes that eventually everyones parents will have graduated from college for the sake of their college experience(TheMissingLink.com)

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?!

Confident students make better grades (HickHock.com)Less likely to have drop outs Paves a way for the next generation after usAllows us and the generation after us to be more competitive in the market

PAVING THE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONGuidance through high school i.e. AP Courses, homework help, Application Process and Applying for ScholarshipsAdequate advice on which courses to takeReasonable expectationsRaising the bar in America(AICPA Insights)

STEPS ALREADY BEING TAKEN

THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI The Gen-1 House(www.uc.edu)

COLLEGE SUMMITCollege Summits model is unique in working with school leaders, educators, and students to ensure high schools have the kind of culture where going to college is the expectation, not the exception -College Summit

Non-Profit organization dedicated to preparing EVERY high school student for college.(College Summit)

TheMovement(ImFirst.org)Created by the Center for Student Opportunity, Im First is a place for first generation college students to come for guidance and encouragement by watching personal stories, connecting with other first gen students who have graduated, locating financial resources, as well as tips and tricks for studying and note taking.

STEPS WE CAN TAKE AS UNCC STUDENTS!

FOR FIRST-GEN STUDENTSTake advantage of UNCC workshopsInvolve your parentsTalk to your advisor and counselorsHelp guide younger siblingsDont be afraid to ask for helpBe confident!

FOR SECOND-GEN STUDENTSSupport movements like Im First and College Summit Encourage younger friends to attend collegeOffer your services to the freshman next year through tutoring and mentoring programsKeep the college tradition in your family going!

THANK YOU!(David Change)

WORKS CITEDCollege Board. 21 March 2011. Web. 15 April 2015

Freedle, Michala. Personal Interview. 2 April 2015

HickHock. Be Confident and You Will Make Better Grades. 15 March 2010. Web. 15 April 2015

ImFirst. N.D. Web. 15 April 2015

Morris, Kaylin. Personal Interview. 2 April 2015

Smith, Laura. Supporting Parents in Supporting Their Students. University of South Carolina. 12 January 2012. Web. 21 March 2015

The Pell Institute. Moving Beyond Access. Pgs 11-14. N.D. Web. 12 March 2015

University of California. First In My Family. Pgs 22 and 34. 2007. Web. 15 March 2015

University of Cincinnati. First-Gen Students. 29 March 2009. Web. 15 March 2015.

USA Today. First-Gen College Students Stay the Course. 28 March 2010. 16 March 2015