Degree of Perseverance: Challenges of First-Generation College Students

By Sade’ Oyeyemi, Marketing Content and Grants Support

As we reach the end of summer, first-time and returning students are preparing to take on the “college experience.” Reflecting on my college days, I tend to think back on the late-night study sessions, hands-on experiences, and building a network for my future career. However, many first-generation college students often have a different experience, encountering often overlooked obstacles and needing additional support from federal aid and community resources.

When defining a First-Generation Student, the answers can vary. Some institutions may describe it as a student whose parents did not attend college. Others may interpret it as a student’s parents did not complete college. In addition, there’s the specification that the parents of a student did not graduate from a four-year college.

Let’s consider the student federal aid. Through a 2019 – 2020 academic study, the National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey illustrated the difference in the disbursement of financial aid. “63.1% of first-generation students received some form of federal Title IV financial aid in the 2019-2020 academic year, compared to 52% of continuing-generation students.” From this same study, 55.2% of first-generation students received Pell Grant funds versus 35% of continuing-generation students.

First-generation college students tend to come from low-income families. This results in the need for financial aid, scholarships, and grants for these students to pay for costs and tuition. In the academic year of 2023 – 2023, scholarships and grants were the second-largest source of financial aid. According to studies, this source only covered 29% of students’ college costs.

In December of 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 was passed into law. This act added a temporary exemption to approve SNAP benefits to qualifying college students. Millions of students were able to take advantage of food stamps through May of 2023, showing that the matter of student food assistance is still ongoing.

Audrey Heiser, a Foodbank intern, discussed her college experience, mentioning “lack of nutrition and enjoyment of dining hall foods.” From her observations, students were going to grocery stores to buy snacks and fill these voids. This is a opposite action decision as food is typically a covered expense for federal student aid.

Having the hands-on experience of an internship allows students’ career goals to excel. Students who don’t carry financial burdens may comfortably pursue unpaid internships, whereas this is out of reach for many first-generation college students. The chances of an internship providing a livable wage are not favorable. There’s also the perspective that not being required to work a job during the academic year is a privilege.

Pulling from my college experience, my two-year Associate of Arts degree took four years to complete. My completion time doubled as a consequence of working two jobs. This was also coupled with the external classroom requirements to gain real-world experience. Due to excessive time constraints, my cumulative GPA dropped below 2.0. I was academically dismissed and had to write a petition for readmission. With determination, I was able to turn my GPA back into good standing.

Lastly, let’s consider the lack of community resources. Being a first-generation student, the absence of guidance can become overwhelming. In recent years, action has been taken to empower these students by offering inclusion groups and support networks. Campuses encourage students to touch base with their professor, career center, and student advisor. Financial contributions such as waived application fees, scholarships, and zero-cost books.

The Foodbank plays its part in aiding this struggle by increasing accessibility to critical food services. We extend our Mobile Pantries to local college campuses. Our organization also attends resource fairs at various locations, one including Sinclair Community College, to discuss our available resources. One of our many incredible assets is our on-site Community Health Workers. They can assist with resources other than food such as transportation services, financial/housing assistance, and clothing assistance.

Overall, calling attention to these challenges highlights that hunger is still present on college campuses. The experience of first-generation college students is complex, but not uncommon. Their courage to pursue higher education showcases perseverance to accomplish goals. A quick way to combat this is to bring back SNAP eligibility for college students. Our best hope is to expand current programs and strategies to further nourish the students of the future.

To learn more about SNAP eligibility or to apply for benefits, please click here.