It is stated, “a feeling of belonging may be engendered through creating a welcoming atmosphere for all students. (Gardner, 2013, Pg.52).
What can be done to improve retention amongst African American first-generation students? Mentoring is mentioned as the most successful way to increase student retention among African American first-generation students. According to Sinanan (2016), “the success of African American students, as well as other minority students, strongly depended on their integration into academic and social systems of institutions of higher education, and one way to accomplish this task was via mentoring” (Pg. 159). Mentoring college students can be implemented in a numerous ways, such as faculty to student, or student to student, which is often referred to as “peer mentoring.” Sinanan (2016) wrote that mentoring can exist in different forms: formal mentoring, or informal mentoring (Pg. 161). However, the concept of mentoring does not change. Formal mentoring programs are structured and organized by the respective institution of higher learning. In a study conducted on African American nursing students, it was found that many students valued a mentor that can relate to their struggles. Student suggested …show more content…
There are numerous strategies to help support first-generation students, such as academic guidance and mentoring, financial support, and fostering a feeling of belonging. Mentoring was proven to be most effective among African American first-generation students. According to Stebleton, Soria, & Huesman (2014), “the number of first-generation students on college campuses continues to increase. Approximately 20.6 of entering first year students currently self-identify as first-generation students, totaling more than 4.5 million first-generation students” (Pg.6). With the increase of first-generation student, institutions of higher learning should be prepared to help these students succeed during their college experience. As a Student Affairs Practitioner, it would be relevant to ensure first-generation students the opportunity to have a less-stressful college experience. Providing first-generation students with additional opportunities is critical. Programs such as TRiO programs are valuable to every university. These programs are designed to support first-generation student. Students can receive additional support through such programs. Also, departments such as Student Support Services provides first-generation students with extra support, such as tutors, additional financial aid, and counseling to assist with guiding fist-generation