Since 2017, schools throughout the U.S. have recognized November 8th as First-Generation College Celebration Day. Education–and access to education–has long been a foundational piece to the “American Dream”. But for more than half (56%, in 2022) of college undergraduates, they face the immediate challenge of navigating a world unfamiliar to them and their families.

In simple terms, a First-generation college student is someone whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. And while success in life is not limited to just diplomas and degrees, it’s been long established that completing a college degree can provide many benefits. For example: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 median weekly earnings for those with a high school diploma was $853.00. With a 4-year Bachelor’s degree, median weekly earnings jumped to $1,432, which meant a difference of $30,000+ in a single year!

But while earning a college degree can lead to financial success, first-generation students often start with money as a primary obstacle. Financial instability is just one challenge that students encounter, along with a lack of college readiness, lower academic self-esteem, and familial support. Being “First” often means those closest to you can’t provide guidance on the basics of building a class schedule or choosing a program of study. Fortunately, more attention has been given to these common struggles, and resources exist to keep first-generation students on the path to graduation.

For more than half a century, federal TRIO programs have gotten bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress because “TRIO Works!” in achieving higher outcomes in enrollment, retention, and academic success. At Marshalltown Community College, the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program connects students one-on-one to an advisor, and they learn to utilize the different services available such as: success workshops, scholarship opportunities, leadership and cultural events, and transfer visits to both state and private 4-year schools. Additionally, participants are now part of a national (and global) network of other TRIO students and alumni that’s in place for their lifetimes.

In addition to TRIO SSS, our local community has shown its commitment to First-generation college students through programs like the Marshalltown Education Partnership (MEP). MEP is a unique collaboration with Marshalltown High School, MCC, and local businesses and organizations. By providing resources to tackle the barriers to both high school graduation and transitioning to college, MEP “builds a culture of support and expectation for success in the future leaders of our community”. MEP participants are identified prior to and during their 1st year at MHS, and during their four years receive programming and services that supplement the high school experience. Beyond tracking students’ progress through high school, MEP takes the extra step of offering scholarship assistance to MCC for qualified participants. As of 2022, over $1 million dollars in scholarship funds was distributed to MEP Scholars over the last 16 years.

The Marshalltown community has much to take pride in, and on Nov. 8th we celebrate the accomplishments of our First-generation students. At the same time, First-Generation College Celebration Day reminds us of all the good work being done towards student success and building a better world for those that follow.

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Nate Chua is the Dean of Students and Learning Services for Marshalltown Community College.