Teach First students at graduation.

Cardinal First Outcomes

At North Central College, we track progress toward the goal of earning a college degree. Since the Cardinal First program officially launched in Fall 2015, the average first-to-second year retention rate for first-generation students is 91%; this is much higher than the national average and much higher than first-generation students who do not participate in Cardinal First. Shared below are additional findings from an internal review of the Cardinal First and the program’s impact.

Retention

We measure retention by evaluating how many students remain enrolled at North Central from their first year to their second year. Shared below are the average first-to-second year retention rates:

  • 91%—all first-gen students who completed the Cardinal First workshop series
  • 61%—all first-gen students who did not participate in Cardinal First
  • 89%—first-gen Latino students who completed the Cardinal First workshop series
  • 57%—first-gen Latino students who did not participate in Cardinal First
  • 78%—North Central’s overall retention rate

Persistence

Persistence is measuring by evaluation how many students remained enrolled from their first year through their third year at North Central. Shared below are the average first-to-third year persistence rates:

  • 84%—all first-gen who completed the Cardinal First workshop series
  • 48%—all first-gen students who did not participate in Cardinal First
  • 82%—first-gen Latino students who completed the Cardinal First workshop series
  • 46%—first-gen Latino students who did not participate in Cardinal First
  • 71%—North Central’s overall persistence rate

Graduation

Graduation rates for Fall 2015-Fall 2018 cohorts:

  • 80%—all first-gen who completed the Cardinal First workshop series
  • 46%—all first-gen students who did not participate in Cardinal First

Sense of Belonging

An internal review of Cardinal First found the program successfully:

  • Helps students navigate unfamiliar structures of the institution, particularly during the initial transition to college.
  • Connect students to first-gen peers and faculty on campus thus promoting a sense of community.
  • Provides a sense of mattering for students; participants felt recognized (by name), cared about, and supported by the staff and student leaders.
  • Promotes pride in first-gen status and clear recognition that they are not alone.

Dissertation research conducted in 2022 with 541 first-generation students at 34    private institutions, including 20 North Central students resulted in these findings specific to Cardinal First participants:

  • 85% have developed a sense of community with other first-gen college students
  • 85% indicated having a community of support for first-gen students at North Central was important to them
  • 95% agree or strongly agree that Cardinal First helped support their persistence to earn a 4-year college degree 

In summary, researcher reported North Central is exceeding the national average in terms of first-generation program and community support for its students when compared to like-minded, private peer institutions.
 

Victoria Alvarez Cosme ’17

During her time at North Central, Victoria served as a Cardinal First Ambassador where she helped mentor first-year, first-generation students. After graduating from NCC, she earned a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in forensic psychology and currently works as a clinical therapist. 

Victoria's advice for first-generation students is, "Hard work trumps everything. Work hard, get involved and network with other people within your major. No matter what anyone says, just remember that you belong."

Victoria Alvarez ’17

Kevin Schroeder ’16

During his time at North Central, Kevin played on the football team and in his senior year he won the prestigious 2016 Outstanding Major in Actuarial Science Award.

Since graduating from the College, Kevin has gone on to work as an actuarial analyst at Allstate in Chicago. Kevin works on the consumer household analytics team and prices boat and excess liability policies for all states.

Kevin’s advice for first-generation students is, “Be a sponge. Soak up information and learn from everyone and everything around you. North Central College is a great community of learners where the professors, administrative staff and students are all invested in one another’s success. There is something to learn from each and every person. So get involved, foster relationships and most importantly have fun!”

Kevin Schroeder ’16

Albulena Emroski ’16

Throughout her undergraduate experience, Albulena was very involved as an active member of both the women’s cross country and track and field teams. She participated in Teach First (North Central's original first-generation program for education majors) and served as a Cardinal First Ambassador. Currently, Albulena (Abby) is working as the Dean of Students at International Prep Academy in Champaign, IL. 

Her advice for first-generation students is, “You are a walking résumé! Always go above and beyond to show your enthusiasm and dedication. Be respectful, be professional and ask for help and advice from those around you. Everything pays off when you’re doing what you love!”

Albulena Emroski ’16

Related Pages

Discover more about Cardinal First