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Being First-Gen or Low-Income Learning Series

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

Person walking up a stack of books toward a trophy and graduation cap.

Breaking Barriers: First-Gen Struggles in Elite Colleges

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

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College Students' Food Insecurity

The issue of food insecurity among lower-income students at elite colleges is examined, particularly during spring breaks when campus cafeterias close. It explores the challenges students face, from rationing food to seeking alternative solutions, and advocates for systemic changes like expanding SNAP eligibility and increasing federal Pell Grants to better support their needs.


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

Graduate holding a credit card with a ball and chain attached to their ankle.

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 has overcome the challenges of being a first-generation college student. In her talk, she wants us to know that we all play a role in helping others overcome their struggles.

People climbing and working on a stack of books, with one person holding a light bulb at the top.

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

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

Person holding a ladder, facing a tall brick wall on a path.

False Promises

The myth that a career in academe is likely is particularly pernicious for those of us for whom the stakes of belonging are much higher, writes Kelly Craig.

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