Abstract:

First generation students are the first in their families to attend a higher education institution. Empirical studies have revealed that first generation college students face challenges that hinder their educational outcomes; hence they are less likely to achieve their academic goals in comparison to students whose parents have attended a higher education institution. Research has revealed that factors such as lack of parental experience, parental involvement and language barriers influence students’ educational achievements. Furthermore, first generation students have difficulties in bridging the two worlds of college and home. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges that first generation students face in college and recommend how higher education institutions can implement programs and activities that can help these students overcome their barriers and achieve their academic goals.

Keywords:

First Generation Students, Higher education, Academic success.