Generations of Impact: Democratizing College Access Across Four Decades

• In Event: Financial Wellness, Support Networks, and Community Wealth: Providing Access, Persistence, and Equity for College Students

Abstract

This presentation explores the longitudinal impact of the Early Identification Program (EIP), a college access initiative that has supported over 2,000 first-generation students of the past four decades, the majority of whom identify as racial minorities. Using critical narrative inquiry, we investigate how EIP has disrupted systems of inequality and expanded postsecondary access across generations. Through narrative interviews with alumni, we examine how EIP has shaped their educational, professional, and personal trajectories. Our findings reveal EIP’s role as a "family" and a crucial support network, highlighting its enduring influence on students' lives. This study provides valuable insights into designing sustainable college access programs that foster belonging and meaningful educational opportunities for historically marginalized students.

Authors

• Bethany Monea, University of the District of Columbia

• Khaseem Davis, Georgetown University

• Mia Hines, George Mason University

• Brian Staples, George Mason University