The strategy of FirstGen Ahead’s pilot is responsive to a great need to empower first-generation college students in their transition from college to career. Our strategy is four-fold and can be summed up with eight words: trusted partners, timely guidance, experienced coaches, and engaged peers.
Trusted Partners: First, for recruitment, we partner with an educational access organization, Steppingstone Foundation, which has a long-standing, trusting relationship with students. A current challenge is that first-generation college students are less likely than their continuing-generation college peers to utilize university career planning services. These services are more generic and limited in the support provided. It is a bigger hurdle to take the risk of something new and work with FirstGen Ahead. The “trust” criterion for a partnership grants us credibility and visibility with first-generation college students.
Timely Guidance: Second, we start working with students as they enter their junior year of college and continue working with them through their first semester of their senior year. By this time, students have declared their majors, are statistically more likely to graduate, and are more likely to be giving serious thought to their first post-college job and their long-term career aspirations. The time frame allows for helping students acquire the all-important summer internship before their senior year, which is a significant predictor of landing a strong position post-college, and coaching them during the job application, interview, and selection process. This is especially important since first-generation college students are more likely to attend universities where fewer companies recruit for internships and post-college positions.
Experienced Coaches: Third, we recruit experienced volunteer coaches to provide one-on-one support, and the student chooses which coach they want to work with during the 17-month period. Another challenge for first-generation college students is a lack social capital and acquired knowledge/skill set for launching their career compared to their continuing-generation college peers. An experienced coach has connections, industry-specific knowledge, and can meet the specific needs of students. By choosing their coach, students have agency and are more likely to be committed to developing a beneficial partnership with their coach.
Engaged Peers: Fourth, we support peer learning by facilitating a monthly, eight-part, online discussion based on a curriculum that builds understanding, skills, and connections. Holding online sessions is crucial given the need to accommodate the challenging demands of first-generation college students who are often managing multiple academic, social, family, and work commitments.
Our strategy is based on researching the competitive landscape (with few providers at present), evaluation research (with some key studies), and our first-hand experience in working extensively with first-generation college students. The beauty of starting as a pilot is that we value the additional learning and can make adjustments in our strategy and operations before expanding.
Susan Gershenfeld, PhD