This qualitative multiple-case study explored the supports and barriers experienced by nine first-generation Hispanic male high school students who met the college entrance requirements for the University of California and California State University systems. Research indicates that Hispanic males lag behind other underrepresented populations when it comes to college readiness, application, and enrollment rates. Given that parent education level is a strong predictor of degree attainment and that Hispanics have some of the lowest parent education levels, it is essential to examine how first-generation college-bound Hispanic males experience supports that help mitigate the barriers they face when pursuing college enrollment. Particularly in California, where the Hispanic population continues to rise exponentially, it is important for educational practitioners to develop a better understanding of how to support first-generation Hispanic students. This study aims to contribute to the research on improving college access for underrepresented populations using resiliency theory as the lens through which to examine this issue. Rather than look through a deficit-oriented lens, resiliency theory focuses on the protective factors or supports that help mitigate risk factors or barriers. Using data collected through interviews and document analysis, the findings here showed the significant role of supports such as academic capital and college knowledge, a systematic focus on college readiness, college readiness and bridge programs, and a strong counseling program for these students. In addition, it was evident that the students’ familial connections to college had a significant impact on the level of academic capital of each of them, reinforcing the need to look beyond the label of “first-generation”.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the academic performance of the first-time, full-time, traditional-aged students in the Student Support Services program at East Tennessee State University. This was accomplished by comparing their academic performance with the academic performance of first-time, full-time, traditional-aged non-SSS participants, including students in both the SSS eligible and SSS ineligible study groups. Incoming freshman cohorts from 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 were used to create the 3 distinct study groups. Demographic and performance outcome variables were used for comparison among the 3 groups. The cumulative college GPA, fall-to-fall retention, and 6-year graduation status of the 3 study groups were of primary interest in this study. Prediction models for these 3 variables were a secondary consideration. Thirteen research questions guided this study and were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, two-way contingency tables, multivariate linear regressions, and binary logistic regressions. Results indicated that there were significant differences in demographic and performance outcomes among the 3 study groups. SSS participants were found to have a significantly lower cumulative GPA at graduation than their peers, but exceeded them in fall-to-fall retention status and 6-year graduation status. The prediction models showed that the first-year cumulative college GPA was a powerful predictor of fall-to-fall retention status and 6-year graduation status for first-time, full-time traditional-aged freshman students.

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The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate community college student perceptions of academic advising for 12 first-time first-generation (FTFG) General Studies students attending a rural southeastern community college. The phenomenological research approach was utilized to better understand participant experiences by exploring participants' perceptions through their lived experiences. Applying purposeful sampling techniques, five females and seven males were identified, with 11 classified as full-time students and one classified as part-time. One-on-one interviews and focus group were conducted in-person or virtually, using Zoom and Microsoft Teams, with each participant to better understand student perceptions of their initial academic advising perceptions regarding feelings of being unprepared socially and academically, academic advisor connections and attributes, increased engagement in advising activities, and student success from the on-boarding process through graduation. The data collected revealed students took more responsibility for their education, were better equipped to communicate with an advisor, resulting in stronger connections, were better prepared to use college resources and tools, resulting in more intentional and meaningful conversations, and all of these factors led to overall student success. The findings of my research can be used to strengthen institutional policies and procedures, as well as to improve the academic advising experiences of first-generation community college students.