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Being First-Gen or Low-Income Learning Series

Throughout this series, you'll gain insights into the experiences and hurdles encountered by first-generation and low-income students within higher education. This carefully curated series offers a varied selection of resources, illuminating the distinctive challenges, triumphs, and perspectives of individuals pioneering their way through academia.

Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Struggles in Elite Colleges

Watch "First-generation students face unique struggles at elite colleges" by PBS NewsHour.

College Students' Food Insecurity

Read "It’s Hard to Be Hungry on Spring Break" by Anthony Abraham Jack.

Priced Out

Listen to the podcast on "What Happens To Low-Income Students In High-Priced Universities?" by Anthony Jack.

Lessons of a First-Gen

Lyric Swinton knows that we are not defined by the stereotypes placed upon us. Swinton is keenly aware of how stereotypes can hinder one’s development, but she’s overcome the challenges of being a first-generation college student, and she wants us to know that we all play a role in helping others overcome their struggles. Lyric Swinton is a student who uses creative writing as a way to express ideas and experiences. She is a first-generation college student and dedicates her extracurricular time to student government and mentoring youth.

Pandemic Struggles as a First-Gen

Read "Work, classes, financial aid — and now COVID-19: Life as a poor college student has only gotten tougher during the pandemic" by Elyssa Cherney.

Navigating Life at an Ivy League

Alfredo Dominguez shares his experience as a first-generation college student at Columbia University.

False Promises

Read "First-Generation Academics and False Promises" by Kelly Craig.