Date Approved

4-20-2026

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

First Advisor

Dr. Laila McCloud

Academic Year

2025/2026

Abstract

First-generation students are an increasing presence on college campuses. First-generation students are coming to school, with a gap in social capital in comparison to their continuing- generation peers. First-generation students need support and resources to counteract this capital gap. Using self-determination theory (1985) and Astin’s theory of involvement (1984) as drivers to gauge best practices to support first year students. Using those theories, as well as taking first- generation student demographics into account, I created a workshop that has a goal of bridging the social capital gap between first-generation students and their peers. This workshop focuses on having students reflect on their motivation for being in school, gaining knowledge on academic resources and expectations, learning about how to actively engage on campus, and a space to make connections with students and staff. The overarching goal of this workshop is to prepare students for their first year of college, while focusing on bridging the gap between first- generation students and continuing-generation students.

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