First at Pitt-Johnstown

Abstract

First-generation college students can encounter difficulties navigating the academic and social systems contained within higher education. This initiative will include a qualitative study designed to learn more about the experiences and perceptions of this unique population, representing 27% of Pitt-Johnstown’s first-year student population. We also will recruit African American and Pell grant recipients who are first-generation students to participate in a pilot support intervention. The First at Pitt-Johnstown program will provide an opportunity for participants to explore their identities and draw upon personal strengths to optimize their academic and social experiences at Pitt-Johnstown. First at Pitt-Johnstown students will participate in a one-credit course and extended orientation programming and will engage with upper class first-generation peer mentors as well as faculty and staff mentors.

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