You are a “first-generation college student” if your parents did not earn a four-year college degree. If your parents earned an associate’s degree, you are still considered a first-generation college student by the U.S. Department of Education.
If you live with only one parent or guardian, they provide all your support, and that parent doesn’t have a four-year college, you are considered a “first-generation college student.”
Also, did you know that if you have a sibling that earned a two-year (associate) or four-year (bachelor) college degree, you are still considered a first-generation college student?
The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 created an experiential program known as Upward Bound to work with low-income, first generation high school students. With the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson set forth directives to increase the number of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds receiving a college degree. In 1968, Student Support Services (originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students) was created to work with college students. The concept of "first-generation" students was introduced into federal policy by the TRIO community in 1980, during passage of the Higher Education Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965.
In Their Own Words
WVU Tech students, faculty, staff and alumni discuss their first generation journeys below:
Dr. Cynthia Hall
Phil Redden
Brianna Whaley
Tyesha White
Thanks to those who have supported programming and sessions with in-kind gifts
of expertise and time.
Chase Bank - Neville Street, Beckley
TGBAA/Career Services Mentorship Program
Council for Opportunity in Education
NASPA
