To Work or Not to Work: Student Employment, Resiliency, and Institutional Engagement of Low-Income First-Generation College Students

• In Event: Postsecondary Experiences of Low-Income Students and Families

Abstract

This study examined the difference between the two college persistence factors of resiliency and institutional engagement for low-income first generation college student employment. Participants in the study consisted of 52 respondents to the Family History Knowledge and College Persistence Survey. Survey results indicate 50 students reported participating in some form of employment, with 9 students in work-study, 22 students in off-campus employment, and 19 students in both work-study and off-campus employment. Data analysis showed a significant relationship for resiliency and employment type, but no significant relationship for institutional engagement and employment type. These findings indicate students who balance academics and employment exhibit a higher resiliency toward attaining graduation.

Authors

• Edward Martinez, Briarcliffe College

• Sherrille Shabazz, Dowling College

• Dolores C. Bilges, Dowling College

• Rhoda Miller, Dowling College

• Elsa-Sofia Morote, Dowling College