Disrupting the Narrative: Diverse Perspectives on First-Generation College Student Transitions Across the P–20 Pipeline

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

While first-generation (first-gen) students comprise over half of all undergraduate students enrolled in postsecondary institutions, extant literature has focused on this population's academic and social challenges. Too often, discourse on first-gen students focuses on deficit-based notions of being first-gen in higher education. In this panel, we use qualitative inquiries and asset-based frameworks to explore the transition experiences of first-gen college students across multiple dimensions. Our panel uses diverse methodological approaches to understand how college-bound high school students, community college transfer students, and undergraduate and graduate students understand and navigate distinct postsecondary transitions. We seek to disrupt the common narrative on first-gen students across the P-20 pipeline by centering student voices and experiences.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Division G - Section 2: Differences and Intersectionalities

Chair

• Ashley N. Stone, Southern Methodist University

Papers

• From the Job Site to the Classroom: The Life Histories of First-Generation Latinx College Students - Simone Carnegie-Diaz, Northeast Lakeview College

• Building Vertically: Examining the Vertical Transfer Experiences of First-Generation Community College Students - Carmen Serrata, University of North Carolina - Charlotte; Mark M. D'Amico, University of North Carolina - Charlotte; Sandra L. Dika, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Can You Hear Us Now? First-Gen Student Voices and Transitions During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ana Guadalupe Vielma, University of Texas at Austin; Ryan A. Mata, University of Minnesota; Lauren M Badajos, University of Arizona

• "We Never Really Graduate From Being First-Gen”: Navigation and Resistance of Latin*, First-Generation Doctoral Students - Alicia Moreno, Trinity University (TX)

Discussant

• Sofia Bahena, University of Texas - San Antonio