Teaching Higher Education Institutions to Support First-Generation College Students: Lessons From Community-Based College Success Programs

• In Event: It Takes a Community: The Role of Families, Counselors, Professionals, and Programs

Abstract

Growing from persistent differences in graduation rates across economic and racial groups, community-based college success programs (CSPs) were created to support first-generation economically marginalized and/or BiPOC students through college. To date, no systematic examinations of these programs has been conducted. As a result, higher education institutions have not had the opportunity to learn from CSPs about how to effectively support underserved students through college. The current paper shares results of a project funded by the Spencer Foundation that partnered with 11 CSPs. Based on data collected via observations, student surveys, and staff and student interviews, the project examined the structure, impact, strengths, and areas of growth for the CSPs and outlines implications for programming at higher education institutions.

Author

• Amanda Sommerfeld Case, Purdue University
  Presenting Author