Financial Literacy at Texas A&M University- San Antonio takes a multi-pronged approach to educating and equipping students as well as the general community with knowledge and skills in personal finance and financial management. Housed within the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, Texas A&M University - San Antonio offers a Financial Literacy Fellows program with peer to peer education, one-on-one coaching, in-class presentations with a variety of topics, on and off campus outreach, and partnerships with entities both on and off campus. The goals of the program are to improve overall competency of personal finance, decrease finance-induced stress, career and economic development post-graduation, and improve retention rates. Major initiatives and programs include the Financial Literacy Fellows, a year-long program open to students majoring in finance or accounting at the undergraduate level, or are in the Masters of Public Accounting program. Students selected to serve as Financial Literacy Fellows are peer educators that advance financial literacy through campus presentations, community education, and creating individualized capstone projects to solve problems they see in the world. The Fellows help build capacity and reach, and improve relations with students. Another initiative are in-class presentations, which are incorporated into the First Year Seminar to acquaint new Jaguar students with Budgeting 101 and other financial education curriculum. Faculty in all departments and at all course levels can also request presentations on a variety of topics. For on-campus engagement Texas A&M University-San Antonio coordinates a variety of campus engagement events weekly throughout the academic year, and highlight a cluster of programs and workshops during the annual Financial Literacy Week (fall semester) and Money Smart Week (spring semester) in collaboration with several other campus departments. Money coaching appointments include one-on-one coaching which is wholly tailored to student needs and goals and is available free of charge to Jaguar students. Students meet with a trained money coach to strategize and implement a plan to help each student reach their financial goals. As a part of off-campus engagement, Texas A&M University-San Antonio also partners with community organizations such as Junior Achievement of South Texas to work with neighboring independent school districts so younger students can achieve financial literacy and capability before reaching higher education, as well as GEAR UP, a federal fund that helps low-income districts prepare students for higher education.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 750

HOW TO ENROLL: there are multiple parts- to be a Financial Literacy Fellow students must apply, other students always have access to all other programming

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Eliasz McCullen at emccullen@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1364

First-Gen Longhorn is a term at the University of Texas that describes any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a four-year degree or higher from an institution of higher learning in the United States. In the fall of 2021, first-generation college students at UT Austin accounted for 23% of the undergraduate student body. The mission of the First-Gen Equity program is to create a community on campus for first-generation students by providing them with a multi-tiered support network and an immersive layering of academic, social and professional experiences, workshops, resources, and events. First-Generation students at The University of Texas at Austin are able to opt-in to any of the following whole-person developmental services provided by First-Gen Equity, free of charge:
-Academic Coaching
-Free STEM Tutoring and Free Printing
-Transition & Success Coaching (mentorship program)
-Monthly First-Gen Social Connection, Future-Planning & Skill-building Events
-Accessing our Computers and Physical Space & Study Lounge in SSB 3.200
-Engaging with our Social Media Accounts and Canvas Page
-Subscribing to our First-Gen Weekly Navigator Newsletter
-Receiving Referrals to other Programs in the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity or Across Campus
-Participating in First-Gen Longhorn Signature Events Each Year

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 697 routinely (year one this year)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://diversity.utexas.edu/academic-equity/first-gen-equity/

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Division of Diversity and Community Engagement's Longhorn Center for Academic Equity

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Michelle Shanks at michelle.shanks@austin.utexas.edu or 5126591587

The First-Gen Advisory Board collaborates to support first-gen students with programing and mentoring. The board members also provide feedback on first-gen initiatives. All colleges are represented by an advisory board member. The majority of advisory board members are first-gen.

During its first year in existence, the board provided first-gen students with the following:
- All colleges hosted a celebration during National First-Gen Week for its first-gen students that enabled students, faculty, and staff to engage in events that created a culture of awareness and understanding of the first-gen college student experience.
- Planned and executed the inaugural First-Gen to Grad School event. Board members supported with a first-gen panel and round-table events led by first-gen staff and faculty.
- Provided feedback on the First-Gen Center framework (mission, priorities, and vision), glide path for the next 3 years, and first-gen programming.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Support 53% of students at SHSU who are first-generation.
2021 prior to the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 2 events hosted by SHSU (TRiO and COE).
2022 after the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 14 events hosted by SHSU to include all colleges celebrating its FG students.
- 678 FG students participated in National FG week.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) established its First-Generation Center (FGC) on June 6, 2022, as 53% of its students are first-generation students. An SHSU student is considered first-generation if neither parent nor guardian earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States. The SHSU FGC is dedicated to helping first-generation students and their families navigate their university experience.

The FGC operates on the following PRIORITIES, nested under the SHSU priorities of its strategic plan:
- Connect and engage the first-gen population to university resources and services.
- Enhance an inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and empowers first-gen students to succeed (Proud to be First-Generation).
- Advance a culture of engagement and perseverance through first-gen programming.
- Known for its commitment to first-gen student success in the State of Texas.
- Identify, develop, and strengthen relationships with first-gen alumni, community group/organizations and other entities with a large first-gen focus to support first-gen students.

First-Generation students gain a community, have a transformative experience, and complete a bachelor’s degree.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its target population).

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: SHSU was recognized nationally (First-Scholars Network) for its commitment to first-generation student success during the FGC’s first year in existence, by the Center for First-generation Student Success (NASPA). To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, SHSU displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation students.

- 1,165 one-on-one mentoring appointments with professional staff
- Personally connected with 49% of first-gen freshmen (1555)
- 32 first-gen programming events

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

The families of first-generation college students play a key role in their students’ success. All incoming first-generation students and their families are invited to attend the UT Dallas First-Generation Family Orientation. To promote the orientation, UT Dallas mails postcard invitations and first-generation-specific new student guidebooks, that include access to an online Spanish language version, to invitees. The materials provide advice on how to interpret important dates on the academic calendar, descriptions of language found in course syllabi, and helpful tips for navigating resources, and a page of First-Generation Student Support Network member contacts in key campus departments. First-Generation Family Orientation content includes presentations by a variety of campus departments, a discussion regarding UT Dallas culture and insights about what their student can expect, greater explanations of some University policies and processes, more information about University resources with insights about why they matter and how to use them, and critical steps to ensure that students efficiently transition through each semester and maximize opportunities. Content is framed to reinforce the role of families in student academic and social success and their value in cultivating student belonging, wellbeing, and resilience. The First-Generation Family Orientation is hosted primarily via YouTube to ensure maximum accessibility with the multi-language closed captioning options. During the orientation, families can ask current first-generation students, parents of former UT Dallas students, and bilingual staff questions. The desired outcomes of First-Generation Family Orientation include attendees feeling better equipped to support their scholars, increased familiarity with campus resources, and increased comfort approaching the university for assistance.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: We ask participants to express their intent to attend, but we distribute the link to join to all invitees.

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In August 2021, after viewing First-Generation Family Orientation, 100% of evaluation respondents reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they felt better equipped to support their scholar and that they were more familiar with UT Dallas campus resources.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of Undergraduate Education

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Courtney Brecheen at courtneyb@utdallas.edu or 9728836788

The First-Generation Living Learning Community provides an inclusive and engaging living environment for new Longhorns, who identify as first-generation (first-gen) college students.This community is designed to build a support system among first-gen students, in addition to celebrating each student’s background and successes. Our goals are to: 1) build a community among first-generation students and celebrate student’s background and successes; 2) connect students with first-generation role models through peer and staff mentoring; 3) increase student’s understanding of personal first-generation identity; and 4) increase sense of belonging on UT’s campus.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 52

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://newstudentservices.utexas.edu/content/first-generation-living-learning-community

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally and externally collected

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In the 2021-22 academic year, 95% of students met with their mentor at least once a semester, and 33% of students met with their mentor 3 or more times. When surveyed, 82% of students reported that the LLC helped them to connect with other first-gen students and 69% said it helped them understand how they belong at UT.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: New Student Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kayleigh Damphousse at kayleigh.damphousse@austin.utexas.edu or 4058244277

First-Generation Student Orientation is designed for any student that identifies as first-generation. The goal is to provide each participant with necessary information to be successful in college. Time management, study skills, and goal setting skills are included in the orientation. We also go over key college terms and important offices and personnel that will be needed during matriculation.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 75

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success, Retention, and TRIO-EOC

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lee Williams III at lee.williams@texarkanacollege.edu or 9038233016

The First Year Eats program, part of the Texas A&M Hunger Consortium, focuses on breaking down food insecurity on campus. LAUNCH presents the First Year Eats program that allows students to participate in various opportunities to receive food resources such as Crockpot meals, Monday meals, and our FYEats Store with various grocery store items.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Students participating in First Year Eats have significantly higher GPRs their first and second semester and are retained into their second year at higher rates than similar students who did not participate in First Year Eats.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: LAUNCH

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sumana Datta at sumad@tamu.edu or 979-845-1957

FYE's Mission
The First-Year Experience Program (FYE) is committed to supporting first-year-in-college-students through peer mentorship as they transition into university life. FYE Peer Mentors meet with students one-on-one to provide academic, social, and personal support in order to enhance student success.

FYE's Goals
Connecting incoming first-year students with student leaders who can provide guidance from experience to make their first year a positive experience.

Equipping first-year-in-college students with knowledge and access to resources.

Facilitating first-year student exploration in their academic studies.

Fostering a sense of campus community and belonging for first-year students.

FYE's Values
Teamwork - supporting one another professionally and personally and student leaders in their growth

Collaboration - working with individuals and other campus programs to enhance the student experience

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Development, Leadership, Belonging, and Academic Support Programs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Demetrius Johnson at demetrius.johnson@utsa.edu or 2104583072

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program at El Paso Community College (EPCC) provides evidence based transformative holistic advising and wraparound services for First-Time in College students (FTICs). The FYE program integrates cohort instructional models, early alerts and retention collaboratives with high FTIC enrollment courses, peer academic and faculty coaching, ongoing workshops and seminars, case management holistic advising approach, and individualized educational plans. The FYE Program has reformed EPCC’s advising model from a one-size fits all approach to proactive case management. The primary goal is to increase students’ completion rates. The three main objectives are the following:
• To increase FTIC students’ retention rate (fall to fall enrollment),
• To increase the number of FTIC students in good academic standing, and
• To increase FTIC students’ three-year graduation rate.
The FYE Program, through its integrated advising model provides a safety net and a strong foundation for students transitioning to college.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: On average, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program serves approximately 5,500 students every fall semester. Students advised by the FYE Program have demonstrated a 10% improvement in retention. From fall 2017 to fall 2022, FYE Program advisees had higher rates than non-participants on the following performance indicators:
• 14% higher persistence rate;
• 5% higher percentage of students on good academic standing;
• 4% higher three-year graduation rates; and
• 5% more credit hours earned.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Instruction & Student Success Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sandra Lujan at slujan9@epcc.edu or 915-831-2279

For first-generation college students, adjusting to college can be difficult and may lead to lower graduation rates. Despite the availability of resources on-campus at St. Edward's University, there were obstacles that often prevented its first-generation college students from making the best use of resources. In response to this, in 2020, St. Edward's University implemented programming to remove barriers to success for students who are first in the family to go to college. Recognizing that there is financial need, little family background in higher education, and social and academic stress, First to GOat provides holistic programming that emphasizes mentoring, building community and belonging, leadership and character development, academic and career readiness, financial assistance and literacy, and personal health and wellness. First to GOat develops
and provides a supportive, inclusive community that values and celebrates their identity.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: The average one-year retention rate for first-generation students at St. Edward's University is 77.5% for 2020-2022, exceeding national and state averages. In addition, the average fall-to-spring first-generation college students persistence is 92.5% for 2020-2023.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sonia Briseno at sbriseno@stedwards.edu or 512-448-8625

Focus Forward is a first-year experience program designed for incoming freshmen. Focus Forward serves the incoming freshmen class as a student success campus community program with the goal of connecting the students to the campus as an active member of the community. Focus Forward is built on the foundation of three pillars, academic focus, university engagement, and personal responsibility. As with all things there is overlap, this overlap strengthens the student's connection to the campus and provides them with a successful experience. As an institution of higher education Schreiner University provides a service dedicated to the individual growth of each student by providing the opportunity to be successful.

Academic Focus. Students are given the opportunity to learn. In the first year a specific focus is dedicated to helping students establish a strong foundation of understanding about the academic rigor, expectations, self-discipline, and university support that is needed to be successful.

Personal Responsibility. Students are given the opportunity for personal growth. In the first year a specific focus is dedicated to helping students understand the responsibilities of a student within the Schreiner community. From their interactions with peers to their interactions with faculty and staff, they have opportunities to learn from experiences and grow in their personal responsibilities.

University Engagement. Students are given the opportunity to engage as an active member of the Schreiner University community. The university strives to provide opportunities for students to have a meaningful connection with the university that helps them in their success as a student.

Meaningful collaborations occur across campus to provide the overlapping support of these three pillars, including Freshmen studies IDST course, peer to peer mentoring, academic advising, tutoring services, co-curricular experiences, community engagement, and student leadership opportunities.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: First Year Experience

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Matt Goodwyn at tmgoodwyn@schreiner.edu or 8307927330

Recognizing the importance of STEM education in preparing the increasingly diverse generations that will make up the American workforce, this project strives to generate STEM student success at Texas State University (TXST) for Hispanic and Low Income (HLI) students who will become our next scientific and technical professionals. There are four primary activities designed to address persistent challenges in STEM education and career attainment for HLI students. Activity 1 will create a Peer Education Program with Success Coaches that will serve all incoming HLI freshman and transfer students in their first year at TXST who are identified through a predictive analytics factor-specific model as needing high-support during their transition to college. Activity 2 will improve the transfer navigation process and increase transfer matriculation to TXST through creation of a Transfer Articulation and Navigation Center. Center staff will initiate new transfer articulation agreements with 2-year HSIs, produce an online repository of course equivalency guides and other information pertinent for transfer students, and provide direct student transfer advising to facilitate the transfer process. Activity 3 will create a STEM Workforce Advisory Council to build collaborations with STEM employers leading to expanded Co-Op and work-based experiences for HLI STEM students; additionally, a new Work-based Experience Preparatory program will be implemented to provide targeted students with professional development improving their competitiveness for employment upon graduation. Activity 4 will provide professional development in culturally responsive teaching methods for STEM faculty teaching core courses that will enable faculty to make lasting changes to their instructional methods to improve HLI students' success.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Generación STEM

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Carolyn T. Chang at carolyn.chang@txstate.edu or 512-245-3150

GenJacks is a program for first-generation college students, those whose parents or guardians didn't graduate from a four-year university. GenJacks is an extended learning community that provides support and resources to help first-generation students be successful and stay in college.

The GenJacks program provides mentorship, student success courses, academic support resources, career planning, and experiential learning beyond the classroom through internships and community-based projects.

Students who participate in the program have enhanced faculty and professional academic advisor support, higher GPAs, a cohesive curriculum with linked courses in the cohorts, a higher level of student engagement and social belonging, and higher satisfaction with their college experience.

Students in the GenJacks program must:

-attend the Summer Leadership Academy
-participate in the academic learning community and take SFAS 1101 (The New
Lumberjack Experience, a first-year experience course)
-complete career and professional development through SFAS 1110 and SFAS
2150
-and meet monthly with mentors.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Data shows that the GenJacks program increases retention and graduation rates by providing transformational experiences.

The one-year retention rate of GenJacks students is 87% compared to 72% for other first-gen students and 81% for students who are not first-generation.

The 6-year graduation rate of GenJacks students is 76% compared to 51% for first-generation students not supported by the program and 59% for students who are not first-generation.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Raquel Skidmore at skidmorerr@sfasu.edu or 936-468-6232

Our award winning global programs provide students with access to affordable education abroad opportunities in Cape Town, SA; Beijing, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over 80% of our students identify as Black (55%) and Latino (25%), thus creating an opportunity to engage international learning with other students of color in some of the most rapidly changing cities in the world.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 600

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://diversity.utexas.edu/globalleadership/

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Devin Walker at devinwalker@austin.utexas.edu

HSI L.E.A.D.S. Program is designed to provide support and encouragement for Hispanic and low-income students at Temple College (Temple) to pursue high-paying, high-demand, STEM careers in the central Texas region. The Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)- Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and Articulation Programs, proposed to increase the number of Hispanic and other low-income students attaining STEM degrees and credentials using a two-pronged approach to create a culture of STEM that:

1. Starts students in Grades K-12 with STEM coursework and providing supports until degree completion at Temple and/or transfer to another degree-granting institution.

2. Creates a STEM workplace culture through enhanced hands-on STEM activities, increased professional development for Temple faculty, and STEM employer engagement.

Click on the “Learn More for Details” button on our webpage to visit our Google Site for additional information.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Academic Affairs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Eva Margarita Mungui­a at eva.munguia@templejc.edu or 254-298-8591

The center is an innovative academic community consisting of professors, administrators, graduate, and undergraduate students committed to contributing to your academic success and acclimation to the University of Texas at Austin. As a part of this program, you will have access to an interconnected array of programs and services. Sweatt Center students are able to combine the best features of the university (world-class faculty, first-rate research facilities, competitive athletics) with the kind of small community that you would find at highly-competitive private colleges and HBCU’s. Students within the Sweatt Center are able to take advantage of the following:
-weekly empowerment meetings (“Power Hours”) with FREE FOOD
-Collegiate Black Male Retreat
-study abroad opportunities in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, Ghana, and South Africa
-paid summer internships with Sweatt Center partners
-free academic tutoring in popular courses; Wall Street exposure trip
-AMP’d Mentorship Program
-College For A Day event
-academic advising, resumes, mock interview, and career counseling
-Black Male Education Research Collection
-Black Student-Athlete Summit

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Devin Walker at devinwalker@austin.utexas.edu or 323-309-2432

The Holistic Exploration of Careers by Hands-on Opportunities (HECHO) program is a comprehensive career preparedness initiative that includes hands-on learning opportunities for first generation and economically disadvantaged students. HECHO is a Spanish word meaning “made” or “done.” HECHO at TLU is designed to ensure first generation and economically disadvantaged students make progress toward career preparedness through personal exploration and experiential learning via an asset/strength-based program. This program is three-fold: 1) a focus on personal skills and strengths identification, followed by 2) hands-on career preparedness activities, and 3) faculty training on StrengthsFinder with course integration.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Division of DEI

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. David A. Ortiz at dortiz@tlu.edu or 8303052412

Texarkana College's (TC) I AM FIRST Project goal is to better support first-generation students on three levels: socially, emotionally, and academically. Our objectives are to serve all our first-generation students with the strategies that foster their sense of social belonging in our college community, support their self-efficacy and mental well-being, and develop their skills to succeed in the classroom and, ultimately, in their careers. TC's student body is approximately 75% first-generation. Success coaches will engage with students through group meetings, one-on-one appointments, and personalized text messaging. We also strive to get first-generation students involved in campus activities outside of the classroom. The Student Success Coach will have the tools to make referrals or contacts on the student's behalf and provide highly individualized coaching tailored to each student's needs. The assigned success coach will remain an advocate for the student from the student's first semester at TC until graduation, giving students the resources, skill-building opportunities, and confidence, they need to succeed.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success and Retention

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lee Williams III at lee.williams@texarkanacollege.edu or 903.823.3016

The I’m First – UT Tyler program is a program that services the needs of first-generation college students on main campus as well as satellite campuses and those undertaking online coursework. This program understands that each first-generation college student experience is different from the next (and many of those experiences are based in intersectional identities), so our program is centered on information sharing, advocacy, and connections to UT Tyler students, faculty, and resources. We strive to provide a sense of belonging within our campus community, which is key to not only retention and completion but the success of each student’s journey with us. As such, one of our primary methods is advocacy on campus through open and accessible communication channels – we are the touchpoint for all first-gen student questions about anything UT Tyler or college related and direct them or take them to the appropriate office to aid them.

Every month we send out a checklist newsletter to all first-generation college students (including international students and non-degree seeking students) that highlights upcoming university deadlines, breaks, campus community events (like blood drives, game and movie nights, holiday celebrations, etc), and links to all resources like tutoring and supplemental instruction. In addition to the checklist, we have created a regularly-updated glossary of all university terms (with links to the appropriate contacts and webpages) that is posted on our website and circulated accordingly.

We also host our own events, such as scholarship application workshops in which students may come to learn how to find the best scholarships for their situations and demographics, how to write the best essay, and how to submit them. This is an all-day, 2-day service offered in-person, but online and distance students are free to make unlimited one-on-one appointments for the same purpose as well as for resume review. We also host come-and-go social events. Further, we honor these students by providing first-generation stoles at every graduation and present them at a free banquet for them and their families. They are also available for pickup at graduation check-in. We host tables at preview days and homeschool days with swag and information, and our newly formed student organization will have a presence at orientation as well as host their own peer-centered events.

Lastly, beginning in the 2022 fall semester, the first-generation living-learning community will open its first wing in an on-campus housing unit. It will have its own first-generation RA as well as weekly meetings with our office’s staff that serve to bring the university’s resources to the students directly, such as advising, tutoring, safe zone training, study halls, library liaison tutorials, and more. Further, these students will also participate in servant-leadership opportunities and get to experience the Tyler community on field trips.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 110

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: UT Tyler Office of Academic Success

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sidney Wilson at sidneywilson@uttyler.edu or 903-565-5528