I’m First: The Academic, Social, and Emotional Challenges of the Ivory Tower

*In 2016, the SOL program pivoted for the year to focus on political engagement in what was then called the “Political Engagement Pilot Project,” or PEPP. This was an alternative version of SOL that laid the groundwork for the development of the PEP program as it currently exists.

First-generation college students face unaddressed challenges. The AAU can incentivize members to experiment with programs that address these challenges. The Posse Foundation is a valuable partner. The AAU must consider the role of summer bridge programs.

First-generation students face unaddressed academic, social, and emotional challenges.

College students with parents who did not attend college are 15% more likely to drop out. Many AAU-affiliated universities incentivize first-generation students to graduate by offering generous financial aid packages to these students. First-generation students with monetary scholarships are still more likely to drop out. Financial assistance does not address academic, social, and emotional challenges associated with university life. Comprehensive assistance is necessary to ensure that first-generation students thrive on campus.