First-Generation College Students in Christian Academia. Part 1: Academic and Local Church Collaboration in the Preparation of Diverse Students

Abstract

This paper is the first in a two-part series focused on first-generation college students (FGCS) in Christian colleges. It provides an overview of the literature regarding the pre-enrollment needs and experiences of these students and will be followed by a second article focused on the support needs and persistence of FGCS. Because much of the existing literature is based on research with FGCS students in public universities, the literature is compared to student input from facilitated discussions that the author convened with FGCS attending Christian universities. From these comparisons, recommendations are made as to how Christian universities, in partnership with local church communities, can develop outreach and service programs that facilitate the preparation and recruitment of FGCS in Christian colleges and universities.

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank and acknowledge the following collaborators on this project: Michelle Ledgerwood, Lahaina Abuan, Christopher Armienti, Rebecca Dixon, Kayanna Ramirez, Isaac Ruelas, Alejandra Mora Sanchez, and Lauren Zhend.