First-generation urban college students speaking out about their secondary school preparation for postsecondary education

by 1950- Reid, M. Jeanne

This qualitative study explored the perceptions and attitudes that first-generation, urban college students have of their preparation for postsecondary education. More specifically, the study focused on those individuals, programs, and experiences that the students perceived as influencing their decision to pursue postsecondary education and the experiences that contributed to their successes in postsecondary education. The sample in this study was comprised of 13 first-generation college students (i.e., six males and seven females) who were graduates of the same urban high school. Six major themes emerged from the participants’ responses: (a) people who impacted decisions about college; (b) the influences to attend college; (c) preparation which helped with college success; (d) skills lacking for college success; (e) financing a college education; and (f) the challenges of being different. Practical applications for educators (i.e., school counselors, teachers, administrators, and postsecondary educators) and for parents and family members are included. ii