Did you know that this year at WSU, 37.1% of the entering freshmen and 43.3% of the entering transfer students are first-generation college students? First-Generation students are those whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree.
The Office for Access, Equity, & Achievement (AEA) at WSU will join other higher education institutions across the country to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 with a nationwide “First Annual First-Generation College Celebration” on November 8, 2017. This celebration will not only emphasize the challenges first-generation students face, but also the strengths that they bring to their campuses.
According to the Pell Institute (2011), the 6-year graduation rate for low-income, first-generation students is 10.9% compared to low-income only students at 24.1%. The rate for first-generation only students is 24.9% compared to their peers who are continuing generation students at 54%. Without campus support and academic engagement, the achievement gap for first-generation college students will continue to exist.
WSU’s Office for Access, Equity & Achievement proudly hosts several outreach and comprehensive support services programs to assist first-generation, low-income or otherwise underrepresented students in higher education. Staff help improve the transition, persistence, and graduation outcomes in a dynamic environment by providing academic support and creating a caring and engaged community.
TRIO Student Support Services, the First Scholars Program and the Office for Access, Equity, & Achievement invite WSU faculty and staff who identify as first-generation to celebrate the day by wearing their “I’m First at WSU” pin. We hope you will wear this pin with pride to bring awareness to the prevalence of the unique strengths and achievements first-generation students, faculty and staff bring to our campus.
If you would like to request a free pin we have a limited supply, and requests are currently limited to the WSU Pullman campus. You can pick one up today at the AEA Office in Lighty 260 or request one by visiting: https://aea.wsu.edu/im-first-button/
Contact: Angie Klimko, 509-335-4736 or a.klimko@wsu.edu
