Bridging the Support Gap for First Generation College Students with Community Mentor Programs

The purpose of this research study was to determine the support and resources needed by first generation college students and how community mentor programs could bridge the gaps in existing support. A purposeful sampling method was used to select three first generation college student participants who had personal experiences in community mentor programs. All three of the first generation college student participants are now college graduates. Two of the three participants currently work with a local community mentor program. Demographic data was collected prior to the semi-structured interview. After each interview was transcribed, each participant performed member checking for accuracy of the transcribed interview data. Thick description, data auditing, and reflexivity were also used as forms of data validation. Analysis revealed several common themes from the first generation college students on the supports needed in college, the impact of community mentor programs on meeting those needs, and the role community mentor programs can play in bridging the support gap for first generation college students.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

Education

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Griffin, Leigh Jefferson

• college support programs
• first generation college students
• community mentor programs

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Identifier

etd-10152015-092252
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/1338

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.lsu.edu:gradschool_dissertations-2337