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5 Enrollment Challenges for First-Generation Students
Growing Decline in First-Generation, Males
Fewer men are going to college, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, at the close of the 2020-21 academic year, women made up 59.5% of college students, with men at 40.5%. These numbers represent an all-time high for women and an all-time low for men.
Doug Shapiro, executive director of the Research Center, explained in a Wall Street Journal story that if the current trend continues, two women will earn a college degree for every man. The decline in male enrollment is especially seen at community colleges and among first-generation students.
To address this growing trend, exacerbated by the pandemic, The Chronicle of Higher Education recently held a panel discussion, The Covid Crisis: Helping First-Gen Men. The webinar was hosted by the Chronicle’s Senior Reporter Sarah Brown, and Anthony Jack, assistant professor of education, Harvard University.
Five challenges for first-generation males addressed by panelists include:
The pandemic presents unique challenges for first-generation students – Eric Beccera, Ed.L.D., director of special projects, Long Beach City College, noted that the reasons for declining enrollment have become increasingly clear during the pandemic. “During our virtual events, we have our students with their cameras off. For the brief moments they appeared on camera, we could see they were at work or on their break. Often we’d see unstable internet connections or crowded living conditions.”
Family obligations can stand in the way – The panelists discussed how students who paused their education during the pandemic have a tough time returning as family and financial obligations increase. Brown shared, “For many firsts, family is top of mind, they have a partner and kids, or they’re just out of high school, but they are expected to be supporting their families, taking care of younger siblings, and taking care of older family members.”
The panelists commented that many first-generation men also come from low-income communities and have family members unfamiliar with the process and commitments entailed in higher education.
Seeing College as an Investment – Given the additional burden first-generation students can face, they often have trouble seeing the value of finishing a two-year or four-year degree when they have immediate financial commitments. As a result, they may also see fewer individuals from their communities finishing and benefiting from a college degree.
“Sink or Swim” – “Higher education has this old mentality of sink or swim,” noted Beccera. “Rather than expect the students to be college-ready, we need the institution to be student-ready. Clearly, the systems of education were not built by us or for us as people of color.”
Panelists explained that institutions must better understand student backgrounds and meet them where they are. It is not good enough to have resources for first-generation students. There must also be a proactive strategy to reach out to these students and engage them.
Supporting First-Generation Students – Panelist Julie Carballo, Director of First-Generation Initiatives, Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Services, at North Central College, emphasized the importance of institutions being proactive and seeking out first-generation students and that programs must have buy-in from the entire campus community.
To help support these students, review the Clearinghouse’s solutions.
“Higher education has this old mentality of sink or swim. Rather than expect the students to be college-ready, we need the institution to be student-ready. Clearly, the systems of education were not built by us or for us as people of color.”
Eric Beccera, Ed.L.D.
Director of special projects, Long Beach City College
