Privileged Perceptions: Comparing Practitioner Disparities in Understanding First-Generation Student Barriers

This special report delves into the obstacles encountered by first-generation and low-income students in higher education, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, while emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to understanding their needs and fostering collaboration among practitioners for more effective support.

Pell Institute report

Privileged Perceptions: Comparing Practitioner Disparities in Understanding First-Generation Student Barriers

The multifaceted challenges experienced by first-generation and low-income students in higher education were accentuated by the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report underscores the importance of fostering a comprehensive understanding of these students’ diverse needs, promoting heightened collaboration among practitioners, and it advocates for a shift from a deficit-centric approach to holistically support this demographic. Additionally, it delves into the escalating demand for post-secondary credentials, spotlighting the distinct obstacles faced by FGLI students, encompassing financial burdens and academic preparedness issues, all while recognizing their unique strengths and assets. It also acknowledges the disparity between K-12 (access) and post-secondary (success) practitioners, with a specific focus on challenges encompassing financial, academic, personal & social, and professional dimensions within the realm of post-secondary education.

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The Pell Institute shares the mission of the Council to advance and defend the ideal of equal opportunity in postsecondary education.

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