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Mentorship For First-Generation College Students: Bridging The Opportunity Gap
Author(s):
Pahulpreet Singh
Designation:
CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Country:
India
Abstract:
First-generation college students often face significant academic, social, and emotional challenges during their transition to higher education, contributing to lower retention and success rates compared to their peers. This study explores the critical role of mentoring—both formal and informal—in supporting first-generation students' self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and academic outcomes. Drawing from multiple longitudinal and institutional studies, the literature highlights how diverse mentoring networks, peer support programs, and culturally responsive practices contribute positively to student resilience and college integration. The discussion emphasizes the need for scalable, inclusive, and holistic mentoring strategies that account for generational, cultural, and identity-based factors. This paper concludes that structured mentoring programs, when tailored to the unique needs of first-generation students, are essential in promoting equity, persistence, and overall student success in higher education.
Keywords:
First-generation college students, Mentorship, Higher education, Academic success, Peer mentoring, Resilience, College transition, Underrepresented students, Student retention, Ethic of care, Network orientation, Identity development, Cross-cultural mentoring, Student support programs, Educational equity
Domain:
Economics
Published In:
Volume 2, Issue 3, (May-June 2025)
Published On:
18 June 2025
Citation:
Mentorship For First-Generation College Students: Bridging The Opportunity Gap - GJMS Volume 2, Issue 3, May-June 2025.
DOI:
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