Kentucky University Helps First Generation Students

Imagine you are 17, heading off to college for the first time, with the challenges of a freshman student. College enrollment, admissions, picking the right courses, course work, and finally obtaining a degree can seem overwhelming if the student is lacking knowledge or is unfamiliar with the college experience. Help and guidance usually comes from family and friends.

When neither of the student’s parents has attended college, the student is considered a first generation college student. Previous research shows that young adults whose parents have no college experience may lack familiarity of college life.

The University of Kentucky is helping first generation college students stay in school, do well, and obtain their college degrees.

The University of Kentucky (UK) may have found a useful program for first generation college students, a program called The First Scholars. During the 2009-2010 school year, UK received a grant for The First Scholars program. Once the university received the initial grant money, UK faculty got together and talked about how the program should look, how to properly support first-time students.

Matthew Deffendall, director of First Generation Initiatives for the Division of Undergraduate Education at the University of Kentucky, said on the phone, “First Scholars is a holistic program. Scholar students are paired with a mentor and participate in community, educational, and enrichment activities. We try to really support the whole student.”

For Kentucky University, the number of first generation college students remained at an average of 700 since 2006. In 2010, however, there were nearly 1,000 first generation college students attending.

However, the opportunity to be a first scholar at UK is limited to only 20 students. Deffendall said that during the first year of the program there were over 200 applications from first generation students who wanted to be part of the program.

This is the second year for the First Scholars at UK. All 20 scholar students returned to UK for their sophomore year. The average GPA for this group was high, at 3.1, according to UK data. First scholars also receive a $5,000 scholarship.

“We try to really be there and be the safety net for the student, help make them successful, and develop a connection to [the] campus. One hundred percent of our first scholars are back,” said Deffendall.

Brandy Denton, a sophomore at UK and second year scholar, said in a phone interview, “First scholars is really helpful. The advisers helped me with which classes I should take and if I need help I can go to my mentor.”

Denton’s major is special education, and she hopes to teach students with disabilities in the future. Through the First Scholars program, Denton said, “One of the program requirements is to be actively involved in a few different community activities. Deffendall really helps me focus on what classes to take and building a resume. I would also like to get an internship.”

The First Scholars program was founded by The Suder Foundation, which is a private foundation owned by businessman and philanthropist Eric Suder.