Date Approved
12-5-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Paul Bylsma
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
First-generation college students (FGCS) represent a large proportion of incoming freshmen at higher education institutions. Despite the having a high amount of FGCS, institution supports do not meet the high level of need presented by this student population. Lacking cultural capital that would otherwise be passed along by college-graduated parents, FGCS must navigate unfamiliar college territory on their own, requiring a high volume of support. This project explores the importance of institutional support on education outcomes for FGCS, proposing a comprehensive social and financial support program. The scholarship program, First Scholars, awards increasing scholarship amounts for subsequent years that students engage in programming. Creating an early sense of belonging, ongoing engagement, and opportunities for financial support can address gaps for FGCS, leading to increased college completion and lowering financial stressors.
ScholarWorks Citation
Reside, Genevieve, "First Scholars: Enhanced Institutional Support for First Generation College Students" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 655.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/655
