HP Program assists first generation students
Javi Hansen
Issue date: 1/26/10 Section: News
What kind of support did you receive from your parents when applying to college? Did they tell you how to manage your time or how to create faculty relationships? Many students do not have this support, for the simple fact that they are first-generation college students. Christina Alonso, a freshman, is one such example. Her parents, who did not receive a college diploma, were unable to offer her the same support as degree-holding parents could offer their children. However, with the help of friends and high school counselors, she had little trouble preparing for Saint Mary's.
The definition of being a "first-generation" college student means one's parents did not attend college or receive a college diploma. On the other hand, a "first-in-the-family" student pertains to those who are the first to attend college in their entire family.
There are examples of both types here at Saint Mary's who have come to experience higher education. There is nothing that holds these students back, however, from performing well in college because they have just as much academic experience as other students. Maria Angelica Garcia, director of the College's High Potential Program explains that just because "one is first-generation does not mean they are not academically qualified." The only difference with first-generation students is they have trouble preparing for college because their parents can only minimally assist them.
Saint Mary's College has become more aware of students who classify as first-generation or first-in-the-family college students. There are many services here on campus that serve the needs of these students such as the Academic Advising Office, Counseling Center, and the High Potential Program.
The High Potential Program (HP) focuses on assisting first-generation college students. It has been meeting the needs of first-generation and low-income students who have been admitted to Saint Mary's since 1973. The program begins with a mandatory summer bridge right before the student's first semester where the student learns of the College's resources and campus life.
The definition of being a "first-generation" college student means one's parents did not attend college or receive a college diploma. On the other hand, a "first-in-the-family" student pertains to those who are the first to attend college in their entire family.
There are examples of both types here at Saint Mary's who have come to experience higher education. There is nothing that holds these students back, however, from performing well in college because they have just as much academic experience as other students. Maria Angelica Garcia, director of the College's High Potential Program explains that just because "one is first-generation does not mean they are not academically qualified." The only difference with first-generation students is they have trouble preparing for college because their parents can only minimally assist them.
Saint Mary's College has become more aware of students who classify as first-generation or first-in-the-family college students. There are many services here on campus that serve the needs of these students such as the Academic Advising Office, Counseling Center, and the High Potential Program.
The High Potential Program (HP) focuses on assisting first-generation college students. It has been meeting the needs of first-generation and low-income students who have been admitted to Saint Mary's since 1973. The program begins with a mandatory summer bridge right before the student's first semester where the student learns of the College's resources and campus life.