North Central College first-generation program director penned op-ed in Inside Higher Ed

Julie Carballo shares the importance of engaging of first-gen students’ families and the impact that has on their success

Julie Carballo, assistant dean for first-gen, transfer and veteran initiatives at North Central College, penned an op-ed in Inside Higher Ed. The column, published February 8, 2022, focused on how being a first-generation student is an asset, and families of these students can be partners in supporting success.

Here is an excerpt from her op-ed:

The road to a college degree is not one that is traveled alone—and the first years of that journey take place long before a student steps on campus. It is critically important to success in college that higher ed institutions provide both students and their families a welcoming and supportive community. This is especially true for first-generation college students, who are working hard to become the first in their families to earn a degree without the benefit of advice based on their parents’ own college-going experiences.

Not knowing how things work in college can put the families of first-generation students at a disadvantage. They want to provide that important support for their student on their college journey, but they may not know how to do so specifically or strategically.

As institutions work to support and celebrate our first-gen students, we must be mindful about including families so that they feel like a part of their student’s new community and know that they are a valued partner to help support the student on the shared journey to success.

Click here to read the full op-ed on Inside Higher Ed.