PREVIEW

FIRST IN THE FAMILY: Advice About College from First-Generation Students
Your High School Years    by Kathleen Cushman

“This book is a bible for college preparatory services! There is really nothing else like this out there—there are tons of reports, but nothing else with faces, names, and the emotional resonance of First in the Family.” – Emily Steinberg, Admission Control 

"If we can do it, so can you!" That's the message sent to students in this advice book, written with college students who were the first in their families to go past high school. Inspiring stories of the diverse student contributors—who end up at institutions from community colleges to elite universities—combine with warm and well-organized counsel and checklists that encourage students to think of themselves as “college material” starting in ninth grade.

PREVIEW

FIRST IN THE FAMILY: Advice About College from First-Generation Students
Your College Years    by Kathleen Cushman

“Down-to-earth advice from actual first-gen students, presented in a casual style, well written, and with planning tools at the end of each chapter. An invaluable resource for students transitioning to college and for faculty.” – Sharon Hibbard, Houghton College

“You can’t be rolling through alone.” In the words of the same college students who
gave their advice earlier, this next-step guidebook tells students how to persist in college—an even bigger challenge for those who are blazing new trails. They speak of culture shock, remediation woes, and finding their way in the new freedoms of college studies. They stress the importance of forging relationships—with the professors who will open the doors to new fields of learning and accomplishment, as well as with peer mentors and study partners.

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS TALK ABOUT HOW THEY MADE IT TO COLLEGE
A Half-Hour Discussion Guide for High School Counselors in 9–12 Classrooms

In this multimedia CD, first-generation college students describe the challenges they confronted on the way to college—and their strategies for meeting them. Their stories bring alive the need for students to organize their college path early, calling on every available support. Discussion prompts help students reflect on the messages they are hearing, and encourage practical next steps.

PREVIEW

FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS TALK ABOUT WHAT GETS THEM THROUGH
Six Audio-Slideshows for First-Year Students

In this DVD of six short audio-slideshows, first-generation college students describe the challenges they confront—and the support they need to make it to the four-year college degree. Their recorded voices and photographs bring alive the research on the obstacles of money, family circumstances, and insufficient academic preparation—underlining how colleges can assist. Discussion questions, both for students and for college faculty and staff, encourage thoughtful reflection and mutual