After a few months into the pandemic this past summer, three FirstGen Ahead students joined me in conducting qualitative research following the career trajectories of students who graduated from college during the 2009 Great Recession. We wanted to know about... Read More

Much has happened since our last FirstGen Ahead newsletter. At the same time, it feels like time has stood still these past eight months. We’ve been working, studying, and adjusting our lives under trying and unusual circumstances. Personally, I’m still... Read More

These are especially challenging times. We are all encountering obstacles in the COVID-19 era, but our first-generation students are disproportionately impacted by family job loss, health issues, limited internet access, and other challenges. Within the first week that students were... Read More

Innovation can and often does occur in a crisis. Consider innovative start-ups that were formed during the Great Recession – WhatsApp, Venmo, and GroupOn – as a few examples. Propelled by the changes we’ve experienced over the past month and... Read More

The Covid-19 pandemic is changing our lives as we know it. While many students were getting ready for Spring Break, they learned they would not be returning to campus. We’re now in a Bear Market and there is fear of... Read More

In previous messages, I’ve communicated the vision, strategy, and operations of FirstGen Ahead. This month my message focuses on our impact measures. The measures extend beyond the pilot phase and include outcome measures as well as input/process measures. The metrics... Read More

What have we learned after four months of the pilot program? We’ve learned that the model for intervention (one-on-one coaching and an online peer curriculum) to support first-generation college students in their transition from college to career is perceived by... Read More

As a pilot initiative, we are led and run by committed volunteers. We are organized into what might be called a “squad” with 10 experienced coaches and 10 first-generation college juniors. Over the 17-month commitment, students receive guidance through one-on-one... Read More

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,... Read More

FirstGen Ahead is dedicated to empowering first-generation college students to launch into successful careers after college. While there is growing assistance for first-gen students to get to and through college, there is very little support after that. Completing college is... Read More