Supporting and Empowering First Generation Students [Episode 41]

Here's What to Expect In This Episode:

In its most simple terms, first generation students are the first in their families to attend college. According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, “nearly 33% of students attending college or universities in the United States are first-generation.” High school counselors have an incredibly powerful role to fill to support and empower first generation students on their journeys to post secondary success!

In this episode, I’m talking about 3 ways high school counselors can serve our first generation students while they’re in our building for four years. Listen to this week’s tips and strategies to get some ideas to add to your high school counseling program!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Why starting the conversation with first generation students can make all the difference
How to find out if a student is first gen and use also use that as a data collection piece
Why naming and claiming “first gen” can bring pride
Why working with this population is the ultimate counselor gift
Why learning about available resources early on and often is so important
A reminder to make it known that you’re an advocate of first generation students
A tip to advertise opportunities and events with a personal invite
Connecting your first generation students with others to share and hear stories
Connect horizontally with peers through something like a small group or a workshop
Connect vertically with members of the local community
Why an older adult’s experiences can help shape a student’s goals, dreams, values, experiences, and purpose
Why our position of impact can lessen the barriers for a first gen student