Straight from the Source – What Works for First-Generation College Students

The purpose of the study was to ascertain from first-generation students themselves which messages and services have the most impact on whether or not they enroll in college.

Pell Institute report

Straight from the Source – What Works for First-Generation College Students

With so much attention focused on this population, it is important to consider how first-generation students respond to the messages and services targeted to them. With funding from the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, the Pell Institute conducted a research study about the transition from high school to college for first-generation students in Texas.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain from first-generation students themselves which messages and services have the most impact on whether or not they enroll in college. The findings from this study are intended to assist administrators and staff in outreach programs and post-secondary institutions in Texas and around the country by informing and improving the practices they use to help first-generation students get into and through college. The findings are also intended to raise awareness and generate dialogue among state and federal policymakers about the impact and benefits of pre-college programs and services for first-generation and other educationally at-risk student populations.

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The Pell Institute shares the mission of the Council to advance and defend the ideal of equal opportunity in postsecondary education.

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