FIRST GENERATION INITIATIVES DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

COMPOSED OF: First Scholars Program First Generation Living Learning Community (1GLLC) 1G Stories Project featured on YouTube First Generation Student Organization (FGSO) CATS Day Out First Generation Advisory Team

STAFF Matthew Deffendall, Director Martina Martin, First Scholars Program Coordinator Kelli Hutchens, Program Advisor Joanie Ett-Mims, Administrative Assistant Brandy Denton and Jennifer Doan, Student Office Assistants Campus partners make it possible

WHY FIRST GENERATION Federal definition: “Neither parent has a Bachelor’s degree” UK has rich history but limited scope of impact Student Support Services Robinson Scholars Lack the social and cultural capital to persist to graduation 30% of total undergraduate population Retained 10% less than their peers; 40% graduation rate Lower high school GPA’s, ACT scores, and first year UK GPA’s

FIRST SCHOLARS PROGRAM Founded in 2009 with seed money from The Suder Foundation Twenty scholars are selected each year Eligibility criteria: Kentucky resident Minimum 3.3 high school GPA Minimum ACT score of 22 or higher Demonstrate financial need Required to live on campus during the first year

FIRST SCHOLARS PROGRAM Holistic four year program Peer mentoring in the first two years Faculty/ professional mentor in the final two years Participate in social, educational and service projects each semester Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA $5,000 annual renewable scholarship

OUTCOMES 100% first to second year retention rate 97% retention to date Average first semester freshmen GPA of 3.2 Average first year GPA of 2.98 Student Strengths Inventory used for assessment purposes Participation and engagement measured each term Measured against non-scholar applicants as a control group

SINCE FIRST SCHOLARS CAME TO UK Enhanced Data Collection and Tracking First Generation Student Organization Incorporated First Generation Living Learning Community Created in Fall students enrolled Cohorted classes, social events, study groups, and service 2.99 average fall GPA and 97% retention First generation status now a part of RA and UK 101 applications Education Abroad Scholarships and Financial Resources 1G Stories Project

NEXT STEPS Collaborative office space Expand participation in 1GLLC Enhanced web presence as a resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff Enhanced communication with parents as partners Increased outreach and recruitment starting in middle school Expand 1G stories project Faculty mentoring database Increased financial support

QUESTIONS “We may have come on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.