If a student’s parents didn’t earn a college degree, many students don’t know where to turn with the questions they have. What resources are available? How do they learn about the college system? What are the advantages of getting involved beyond classes? Thankfully, there is a system in place to help students navigate these questions.

On Nov. 8, 1965, the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon Johnson. Its focus was to increase postsecondary access and success for students, particularly those who were from lower incomes and those that were considered first-generation students. Generally speaking, a student is considered a first-generation college student if neither parent earned a Bachelor’s Degree. The Higher Education Act ushered in new programs for college access, retention and completion. It also created the Pell Grant which is the primary form of federal grant aid granted to lower-income students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Why is this significant? The research is clear: college students who didn’t have parents who attended college were behind their peers when it came to college readiness. They often face additional academic, financial, and social challenges that lead to uneven outcomes in accessing college, completing their degree, and in competing for the better jobs compared to their peers with parents who attended at least some college. Fifty-six percent of all college students (in 2021) currently pursuing higher education are first-generation college students.

This one act had a profound effect, making education not only affordable, but accessible to all. Last year, bipartisan senators and representatives went a step further and introduced the National First-Generation College Celebration Day to be November 8th each year.

National First-Generation College Celebrations encourage colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the successes of the institution’s first-generation students and address the barriers that still exist. Each year, during the first week of November, dozens of events are organized by departments and colleges from across the university. The University of Iowa began participating in the event in 2018, but now marks the event with a full week of activities instead of just one day. Iowa State University refers to November as first-generation college student recognition month and last year held a reception and invited faculty and staff to chat with first-generation students.

Why so much attention on being a first-gen student, especially if there are so many? Being a first-gen student can result in many things that cause them to graduate at lower rates than their non-first-gen peers. First-Gen college students face distinctive challenges including lack of college readiness, financial stability, familial support, and lower academic self-esteem, or imposter syndrome. Generally speaking, first-gen students are less knowledgeable about how to navigate college or know about resources available to them.

Those who aren’t first-gen family members that have attended college often get guidance from their parents or older siblings about how college works. Academic systems can be overwhelming, bureaucratic, and complex. And, first-gen students often come from families that have lower income than others. As such, they may need loans and scholarships in order to afford school. They are more likely working through college to meet their financial obligations. This leads to greater stress and takes time away from academics. Data shows that financial burdens are the primary reasons first-gen students leave school.

Marshalltown Community College is excited to celebrate and eager to assist first-gen college students navigate the unique challenges they face. As a community college, we work with them to help overcome the common barriers that can get in the way of their success. We celebrate our first-gen students every day, but especially throughout November. Our TRIO Student Support Services program, a program created by the Higher Education Act of 1965, has the explicit goal of helping first-generation, low-income and/or disabled students. We are here to help all students succeed and reach their goals.

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Mandy Fox is the TRIO Student Support Services Coordinator.