Identity Complexities of African American First-Generation Students

Identity Complexities of African American First-Generation Students

African American first generational students struggle with identifying who they are and how they are supposed to show up in their college communities socially and academically.

This session will guide attendees through the thought process of an African American First-Generational Students and solutions to assist them with persisting to graduation.

African American First-Generational Students make up over 46% of the first-generation college community. Many of these students fall within the "murky middle" category with little to no emotional support to assist them with persisting through college.

My points:

1. First-Generational students experience a great deal of psychological stress from attempting to be the savior of their family, uncontrollable financial hardship and inability to focus academically.

2. First- Generational students need access and exposure to the world of work and inclusivity eligibility requirements for experiential learning.

3. Overwhelmed at the complexities of the campus community, personal needs and family needs awakens a great deal of anxiety that encourages first-generation students to give up.

Solutions:

1. African American First-Generational students need strategic emotional support.

2. African American First-Generational students need access and exposure to the world of work that offers financial compensation for their service.

3. African American First-Generational students need professional development to prepare them for the world of work.

Additional Information:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/troymarkowitz/2017/08/08/the-barriers-to-success-and-upward-mobility-for-first-generation-students-and-how-to-fix-the-problem/#36cff1561cb3

http://www.naceweb.org/career-development/special-populations/career-development-needs-of-first-generation-students/

https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1098&context=ojwed