“You can’t be rolling through alone!” - San Francisco State graduate

What challenges—big and small—face first-generation college students on their path to the diploma?

For three years, the nonprofit Next Generation Press has invited diverse groups of students from across the country to speak from experience about what helped them make the difficult transition to college and stay on to graduate. From this wealth of first-hand wisdom, we have crafted two products:

  1. •Six audio-slideshows that capture the voices of the students we interviewed and take a look at their lives and learning. [Click on images below to preview.]

  2. •First in the Family: Your College Years, a 124-page book that shares their stories and tips for those who follow. Click here to preview


Both are intended for first-generation-college students and the faculty and staff who guide them. The audio slideshows, which end with discussion questions, make strong conversation starters in either student support groups or administrative strategy sessions. The book provides a compelling text for use in college transition or support classes.



“I teach a Transition to College Course. Since 98% of our students come from first generation, low income families, it is imperative that they are as best prepared as possible. These audio slideshows are gems.” – Shenea Hunt, Bronx Lab School



“Down-to-earth advice from actual

first-gen students, presented in a casual style, well written, and with planning tools at the end of each chapter. An invaluable resource for students transitioning to college and for faculty.”

– Sharon Hibbard, Houghton College

ORDER First in the Family: Your College Years (deep discounts on bulk orders)http://www.firstinthefamily.org/orders/index.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0
VIEW AUDIO SLIDESHOWS (click on images below) ORDER DVD (with six audio slideshows)http://www.firstinthefamily.org/orders/index.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0

HIgh School Years