{"id":116,"date":"2023-05-18T09:01:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T09:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oraclerealestategroup.com\/higher-ed-advisory\/?p=116"},"modified":"2023-08-25T14:50:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T14:50:13","slug":"10-ways-to-ensure-first-generation-student-success-through-parent-involvement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oraclerealestategroup.com\/higher-ed-advisory\/blogpost\/10-ways-to-ensure-first-generation-student-success-through-parent-involvement\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways To Ensure First Generation Student Success Through Parent Involvement"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Here\u2019s how higher education leaders can leverage first generation student parents to ensure student success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Barriers to First Generation Student Success<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By definition, first generation students have parents who lack experience with the college process. This can make it difficult for schools to engage these parents in meaningful ways. However, by providing targeted programming specifically for these parents, institutions can ensure that first generation student success becomes a reality. In this blog post, we will explore how schools can achieve this goal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a first generation college student? <\/strong>  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A first generation college student is defined as a student whose parents have not completed at least an associate’s degree at a college or university.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First generation students often face many challenges when achieving success in higher education. One of the most significant barriers they face is a lack of understanding of the college process. This can be because their parents have little to no experience with higher education. As a result, these students often lack the necessary support at home to navigate the college process.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes the needs of first generation college students unique? <\/strong>  <\/strong>  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First generation students typically come from low-income families. This can make it difficult to pay for college without financial aid. However, applying for financial assistance can be confusing and overwhelming for first generation students and their parents. In addition, first generation students are more likely to be from underrepresented groups. This can add another layer of complexity to the college process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can higher education institutions resolve these barriers to success? <\/strong>   <\/strong>  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Despite the challenges that first generation students face, research has shown that parental involvement is critical to student success. In fact, studies have found that students who have parents involved in their education are more likely to succeed in school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways in which higher education institutions can increase parental involvement. One way is by providing targeted programming specifically for first generation student parents. This can help educate these parents about the college process and give them the support they need to navigate it successfully. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Parents Are Your Closest Ally For Increasing Enrollment and Ensuring First Generation Student Success <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While the needs of first generation students are unique, their parents can be their closest ally in ensuring student success. A student with parents involved in their education is more likely to enroll year after year, and is therefore essential for universities seeking enrollment optimization.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure enrollment optimization is possible, schools should work to build relationships with first generation student parents. By developing a rapport with these parents, schools can show that they are committed to supporting students and their families through every step of the college journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 Best Practices For Leveraging Parents For First Generation Student Success<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Establish a presence in high schools<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

High school is the perfect time to build relationships with first generation student parents. By establishing a presence in high schools, schools can show that they are committed to supporting their students through every step of the college journey. In addition, working with high school counselors is a great way to get information about first generation students and their parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demystify the application process<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The college application process can be confusing and overwhelming for first generation students and their parents. By demystifying the process, schools can help to make it more accessible for everyone involved. In addition, providing resources such as financial aid workshops is a great way to support first generation families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create tailored informational events on campus<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Tailoring informational events to the needs of first generation student parents is a great way to increase engagement. By hosting events specifically designed for these families, schools can provide the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s education. Events such as campus tours, financial aid workshops, and college fairs are great ways to involve first generation student parents in their child’s education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be available to answer questions face to face<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Parents of first generation students often have questions about the college process. By being available to answer these questions face to face, schools can show that they are committed to supporting their families. In addition, holding office hours or hosting open houses are great ways to ensure parents have the opportunity to ask questions and get the information they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer parent-focused college access programs and seminars<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

There are a variety of college access programs and seminars that are specifically designed for parents. These programs can help to educate parents about the college process and provide them with the tools they need to support their child’s education. In addition, these programs can also help to build relationships between schools and first generation student families. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Create digital resources specific to first generation families<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The internet is an excellent resource for first generation student families. By creating digital resources specifically designed for these families, schools can provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s education. In addition, online resources such as webinars and e-books can be a great way to engage parents who may not be able to come to campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer a Summer Bridge Program that involves families<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Summer Bridge Programs are a great way to engage first generation families. By offering programs that involve families, schools can provide them with the opportunity to learn about the college process and get a head start on their child’s education. In addition, these programs can also help to build relationships between schools and first generation student families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make events more accessible to working parents<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Parents of first generation students often have to work to support their families. By making events more accessible to working parents, schools can show that they are committed to supporting their families. In addition, holding events during evenings and weekends is a great way to ensure parents have the opportunity to participate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer more micro-grants and make the application process easy<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Micro-grants are a great way to support first generation student families. By offering more micro-grants and making the application process easy, schools can provide the financial assistance they need to make their child’s college education a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make an effort to learn more about your first generation parents<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Parents of first generation students are often misunderstood. By making an effort to learn more about your first generation parents, you can show that you are committed to supporting their families. In addition, holding focus groups and surveys are a great way to collect data about the needs of these families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While there are many barriers to first generation student success, parental involvement is a critical factor in overcoming them. Higher education institutions can increase parental involvement by providing targeted programming and building relationships with first generation student parents. By doing so, schools can show that they are committed to supporting their students through every step of the college journey.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Oracle Real Estate Group, we provide expert advisory services to colleges and universities that want to create inclusive environments for all of their students. We can help you assess your current programs and offerings, make recommendations for change, and implement new initiatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact us today<\/a> to learn more about how we can help you support first-generation college students. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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