North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is providing support for first-generation college students, from admission to graduation. Shamia Stevens, a business administration sophomore, discussed her experience as a first-generation student. She mentioned the difficulty of managing work, tuition, and personal life. Despite her high school success, transitioning to college was tough.
NCCU’s student body has 1,702 first-generation college students, comprising 28.49% of the nearly 8,000 students. Dekendrick Murray, the executive director for Student Access and Success (SAS) at NCCU, stated that these students often face unique challenges. They may not know how to navigate college, which can hinder their academic progress.
Alexis Staten, a political science junior, and Keshawn Cherry, a psychology freshman, shared similar experiences. They both mentioned financial concerns and the absence of family guidance. Many first-generation students also come from lower-income families and need to work while studying, which adds to their difficulties.