First-Year First-Generation Minority College Students

[WonderfullyUntamed]

That sounds wonderful! My start-up works outside the school system to support this population of students and families. What do you see as the biggest area(s) of need for continuing to support access to higher education for this group?

[reyty2]

@WonderfullyUntamed I'm not an expert. But I think the motivation to study hard for 4 years & earn a degree. Some want easy cash here & now & fall victim to bad influence. First gen studes need continuing moral, academic, financial, cultural, social, & political support. They enjoy my quoting Obama saying there are few LeBrons or Lil Wayne. So we need a proper education.

[WonderfullyUntamed]

@reyty2 I agree with the need for lots of extra support in many different areas. My work is focused mostly of policy reform and direct communication with their parents. Schools don't tend to do the best job with either, unfortunately.

Thanks for communicating with me on this! I hope to find other organizations who are supporting this effort! Continue doing what you are doing.

[reyty2]

@WonderfullyUntamed Here's a video of my motivational talk. I used the youth's culture (hip hop) to discuss issues during the welcome orientation. type this on youtube: 2010-08-18 Chance Leadership Conference, Rey Ty, Social Responsibility

[PreK2BA]

What area of education are you guys in? Does most of your work focus on 1st Gen students?

[reyty2]

@PreK2BA We are both in Adult and Higher Education. He specializes in Higher Ed (including faculty, student, staff, and 1st gen students). I specialize in adult ed. And yourself? Will be glad to hear about you. Take care!

[PreK2BA]

@reyty2 I specialize in high school reform and 1st gen students.

[reyty2]

@PreK2BA Thanks for the info. Where we are now, there is a lot of great support for 1st gen students. There are university folks who go out to high schools to seek out first gen students to encourage them to come & study at the university. When they get to the university, there's a lot of support to make sure they succeed: welcome inspirational forum, mentoring, tutoring, leadership training, retreats just for them, etc., etc.

[PreK2BA]

Like the explanation and analysis in this slide show. Is your background in education?

[reyty2]

@PreK2BA Thanks. Yes, both the person who made the presentation and I (video uploader) are in Education.