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Creating College Opportunities for First Generation High School Students. Presented April 11, 2011 Bob Bardwell Sally O ’ Rourke Hannah Watson. What is a First Generation Student?. An individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree (TRIO)
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Creating College Opportunities for First Generation High School Students Presented April 11, 2011 Bob Bardwell Sally O’Rourke Hannah Watson
What is a First Generation Student? • An individual neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree (TRIO) • The Dept of Education defines first-generation as no parent having education beyond high school • Roughly 30% of college freshman in the U.S. are first generation students
First Generation College Student =Not a Homogeneous Group • Lower socio economic background ($25,000 income or less) • Speak a language other than English at home • Score low on SAT • Lower GPA • Female • Older than the traditional college student (start later)
First Generation College Student cont. Have children Lower degree aspirations Less encouragement from home Lower self esteem Attend part-time Live off-campus or with a relative
Barriers to College entrance • A less competitive academic preparation in high school • Difficulties paying tuition costs at a four-year institutions • Feeling of guilt for creating more financial stress on family (fear of debt) • Need for flexibility of class schedule at college • Family obligations • Support from parent/guardian • Knowledge of the college and financial aid processes
Why college? • Gain respect or status • Bring honor to their family • Assist their family financially • Achieve more than their parents (i.e. American Dream)
When choosing a college: • Close to home • Availability of financial aid • Two-year institution • Flexibility of class schedule to meet other responsibilities (family, employer, children) • Perceived safety • Positive social climate • Having friends or family on campus or close
Challenges while in college • Less support/encouragement from home • Less prepared for change • Increased independence • Less knowledge of on-campus resources • Finances • Cost of books, bedding, other supplies • Job responsibilities outside of college • Higher risk of drop out “Roughly 75% of first-generation students who attend college have not received a bachelor’s degree eight years out of high school (Center for Student Opportunity)”
Needs of First Generation Students in College • Structured and supported freshman year (twice as likely to leave after their first year) • Increased confidence and “college knowledge” through mentorship • Engagement in campus activities • Orientation • On campus job • Academic support • Increased knowledge of time-management skills, budget management, academic expectations • Summer programs (pre-freshman year)
College Programs for First Generation Students • TRIO (upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services) • GEAR UP • Westfield State’s Urban Education Program • Bay Path College – One America • University of Cincinnati – First Gen housing • Fresno State, California – “First Generation Stories Project”
Key components for a FG Program • Personalized attention to each student • Encouragement from a mentor/role model (school counselor, educator) • Develop positive attitudes and beliefs towards college • Communication with parents/guardian • Extra support on the college and financial aid processes • Facilitate peer support • Interventions
Key components for a FG Program Cont. Provide scholarship assistance Provide students which a bridge between high school and their future A college prep academic course sequence Make long term investments in students Design evaluations/assessments that attribute results to
First Generation Program at Monson • Identified first generation students • Freshman Questionnaire • 62 identified • Developed a timeline and outline of the program based on previous research • Sent out letters with permission slips to all parents of identified first generation students • 18 slips returned • Pre assessment and data sheet • Monthly letters to parent/guardian
Timeline December 2010 Session 1 –Individual Meeting During the first session students were asked to fill out a pre-assessment asking what their post-graduate goals were and any concerns they had about getting there. This session focused on answering any questions or concerns and learning about the students’ career goals. Resources for career exploration were given. January 2011 Session 2 –Individual Meeting The second session focused on reviewing the student’s transcript, discussing their class selection in connection with their career goals, and learning about admissions requirements for two and four-year colleges. February 2011 – March 2011 Session 3 –Meeting with parent and student This session focused on discussing the financial aid and scholarship process. Resources were provided for further exploration. A college timeline was provided and explained to student and parent for clarification on what they should be doing when.
Timeline cont. April 2011 Session 5 – College Visit Student will participate in a field trip to a local institution with a tour of campus and brief information session by an admission counselor. April 2011 Session 4 –Guest Speaker A guest speaker from a local 4-year college will provide insight into the college application process, suggestions for being a strong applicant, and tips on how to transition smoothly into college. May 2011 Session 6 – Individual Meeting During the final session students will be asked to complete a post assessment of their experience in the program. This will provide students with any opportunity to ask questions and wrap-up their experience in the program this year. Another review of the timeline will be done to ensure students understand what they can be doing over the summer.
Andover High School Connections Initiative Pilot year 2006-2007 Students identified by middle school counselors based on one or more of the following student characteristics: First generation minority background low socioeconomic status low academic performance history of failure weak academic skills emotional/learning/health issues poor attendance.
Andover High School Connections Initiative Grade 9 Program Parents of identified students invited to enroll son/daughter—26 accept Students Enrolled in: Full year English 9 and World Civilization combined focus on enhanced reading and writing skills with hand-picked teachers Full year Peer tutoring study with upper class tutors and teacher committed to program. Students received credit for successful completion After school tutoring funded by Andover Youth Services Parent Program—Saturday morning workshops on transition, homework, communication, etc. Students assigned to 1 Assistant Principal for all 4 years
Andover High School Connections Initiative Grade 10 Program Students took English 10 first semester and 20th Century US History 2nd semester with hand-picked teachers committed to program goals Students continued to have access to free after school tutoring Outcomes After 9th grade 6 students recommended for Honors courses and left program. AHS Counselors identified additional students join cohort. All students are promoted to grade 10 10 students increased yearly GPA from 9th to 10th grade Reduction in attendance and discipline issues
Andover High School Steps to College Success (S2CS) Connections cohort invited to informational meeting during school Session schedule, contract, and permission form distributed Expectations: Attend all sessions on time and prepared Students will turn off all electronic devices Students will complete homework assignments 13 commit to 11 week program
Andover High School Session 1—Standardized Testing All students registered in computer lab for SAT and ACT using fee waivers Reviewed test differences and discussed sample prep material and essay writing Session 2—Resume Students draft a resume using a questionnaire to elicit activities Students and counselor review resume and plan summer and fall activities to supplement academics Session 3—Naviance Students register and participate in overview instruction Students complete “My Personality” and review with Counselor
Andover High School Session 4—Naviance Students complete Career Exploration Discuss how results relate to college search and majors Session 5—The College Search Students use Naviance to begin search and create prospective college list Session 6—The College Search Continue to develop list Demonstrate how to research, gather information, etc. Session 7—Mock Admissions Panel Students given 3 actual applications to read and admit, wait-list or deny Parts of the application explained
Andover High School Session 8/9—College Tour Tour and information session at Merrimack College Double length session with transportation provided Session 10—Interviewing Role play college admission interviews and ettiquette Session 11—Final Wrap Up Review student plan for summer and fall Create to do list for action steps
Andover High School Steps to College Success (S2CS) Outcomes 20 of 21 students graduate (the 1 did not by choice) 15 enrolled in college in Fall 2010 (16 accepted to college) 1 transferred to another high school 2 went straight to full-time employment 2 plans unknown No “official” program for 12th grade, but students received additional support from S2CS leaders
Andover High School Additional Outcomes Class of 2011 Cohort 0 retentions Average SAT Critical Reading 465 Math 505 15 of 19 students accepted to 1 or more colleges 3 did not apply (yet), 1 hospitalized Class of 2012 Cohort All assigned to same Counselor Intern assigned to work weekly with students 0 retentions All students maintaining GPA of 2.0 or higher-7 a 3.0+ Class of 2013 Cohort Program cut after 9th grade 3 retained in 9th grade—1 required to complete summer course Increased Attendance and discipline issues
Andover High School Access ≠ Success Personal Observations Effective Actions Giving more information without direct support does not effect change 1 on 1 or small group support Creating expectation for college application and attendance beginning in 9th grade Directed action step Do 1, 2 and 3 and come see me when done Written steps to complete
Andover High School Access ≠ Success Personal Observations Common Challenges Follow through Meeting deadlines Parent Communication Especially in regards to financial aid 1 to 1 support for financial process OR Provide access to financial aid programs through FAFSA Day/College Goal Sunday or local community colleges Less likely to visit colleges, but visit is essential Make use of local institutions and professionals
Resources www.firstinthefamily.org –provides advice and support for first generation students during their high school and college years www.CSOcollegecenter.org –Center for Student Opportunity is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote college access and opportunity among first-generation and historically underserved student populations www.questbridge.org/ -QuestBridge is a non-profit program that links bright, motivated low-income students with educational and scholarship opportunities at some of the nation's best colleges. www.collegeboard.com
