PRESENTERS:  Jullianie Mackey (Staff), LaSonia Harris (Student) and William Washington (Staff)

First-generation or “first-gen” college students constitute a large and growing segment of the student body. Higher-education establishments work hard to attract and retain this demographic. First-gen students are more likely to apply to a two-year college program or community college, compared to students whose parents have a bachelor’s degree. First-gen students who attend a 4-year program are also twice as likely to leave college after 3-years. This session will discuss what defines students as first-generation (as definitions can vary) while discussing the unique challenges first-gen students face with the goal of providing tools for how to serve them better.  They may need additional support from a person or an institution at all stages of the process from entering college through graduation.  Discussion