#first-generation-students

#first-generation-students

California State University, Fresno, celebrated the launch of a new program this fall called Finish in Five, which allows students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree within five years. University leaders were eager to offer students at the Central Valley campus-which serves large populations of first-generation and low-income students, many the children of local farmworkers-a streamlined pathway to high-demand STEM fields in an economically distressed region.

One way to pursue this goal is to consider the role played by first-generation student success initiatives, which continue to enjoy broad public support. In the current climate, higher ed may be forgiven a rush to establish centers or initiatives for first-generation student success, as many colleges and universities already have. But before we get to raising funds and creating logos, let's pause and consider new ways to think about and organize such efforts to best meet the moment.

The summer after ninth grade, Zoey Griffith found herself in an unfamiliar setting: a dorm on the Morehead State University campus. There, she'd spend the months before her sophomore year taking classes in core subjects like math and biology, as well as electives like oil painting. For Griffith, it was an opportunity, but a scary one. "It was a big deal for me to live on campus at the age of 14," she said.

"We've been really intentional about telling the stories of our student athletes and sharing their personal stories that extend far beyond the fields and courts of competition," said Lisa Campos, vice president for intercollegiate athletics and athletic director.