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Support Strategies for First-Generation Students to Ensure College Success

Support Strategies for First-Generation Students to Ensure College Success

In the fall, new students are entering residence halls and classrooms, many of whom are first-generation—individuals who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. These students often experience a mix of accomplishment and anxiety. Unlike those with a family history of college education, first-generation students frequently lack the structural and emotional supports required for the challenges they face in academia. Therefore, providing academic, financial, and social-emotional support is crucial for their success.

Partnership Between UMBC and College Track

One initiative addressing these needs is a partnership between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and College Track, a national nonprofit organization known for assisting first-generation students through high school, college, and beyond. This collaboration offers a public higher education partner in the Baltimore area for College Track, which previously received a $20 million donation from the Baltimore Ravens, the Stephen and Renee Bisciotti Foundation, and M&T Bank. This donation aims to establish a College Track center in Baltimore to support Baltimore City Public Schools.

Transformative Support Model

The initiative employs a transformative 10-year support model, guiding students from the ninth grade through post-graduation. College Track prepares students for college, assists with applications, supports them through graduation, and helps transition them into fulfilling careers. Serving over 4,000 high school and college scholars in California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the organization’s scholars predominantly come from underserved communities, with 84% being first-generation college students. These scholars earn degrees at rates more than two-and-a-half times that of their first-generation peers.

Commitment to Equitable Opportunities

UMBC’s partnership guarantees admission each year for a cohort of eligible College Track Scholars from Maryland, prioritizing students from Baltimore City schools, and covers the full demonstrated financial needs for up to five years of full-time enrollment. Additionally, all College Track scholars are invited to participate in UMBC’s Summer Bridge program, which helps prepare them for academic life. This collaboration underscores UMBC’s commitment to equitable higher education opportunities for underrepresented students.

Aligning Goals for Student Success

UMBC, a diverse public university known for student success, especially in STEM fields, aligns well with College Track’s goal of democratizing potential and diversifying academic excellence in the United States. UMBC is noted for producing a significant number of Black undergraduates who go on to complete PhDs in the sciences.

Future Implications of the Partnership

Through this partnership, a greater number of students from traditionally underserved backgrounds will be identified and supported to utilize their talents effectively. The agreement also emphasizes UMBC’s dedication to Baltimore City students and their commitment to equitable educational practices. Supported by President Valerie Sheares Ashby, the initiative aims to provide substantial educational support, improving the lives of Maryland residents.

Conclusion

This partnership aligns with the Maryland State Plan for Higher Education’s priority to secure equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education, addressing the unique needs of students through comprehensive support mechanisms. By supporting a significant number of Maryland students in becoming their family’s first college graduates, the UMBC/College Track collaboration serves as a potential model for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational accessibility and success.

*Source: Maryland Matters*

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