ISSUES CONFRONTING FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

On Saturday, March 28th, Missouri State University will host a panel discussion about the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students. 

Students who are the first in their family to attend college often lack the essential knowledge and experience that many other college-bound students take for granted. Left to their own devices, first-generation students must discover for themselves how to navigate the puzzling process of applying to college and how to deal with a slew of complex financial issues. Once in college, they experience a much higher dropout rate. While there are no easy answers, the success or failure of first-generation students has major implications for the future of America.

Film screening, panel discussion contributes to conversation

At 8:45 p.m., after the free screening of the award-winning documentary, First Generation, the film’s director, Adam Fenderson, will join Missouri State President Clif Smart, two first-gen MSU freshmen students and Hillcrest High School counselor Lynn Schirk for a panel discussion. With input from the audience, they will discuss the special hurdles faced by first-generation students and explore ways in which our community can work to help these students experience greater success in college.

Nicole Tortoiello writes in the online journal, The Education Trust:

“First Generation, through its poignant story telling, conveys a core truth about our K-12 education system and society.  Low-income students, like their more affluent peers, want to go to college, but they need more help to make that dream a reality. But  many of our high schools and communities are failing to provide those supports in any meaningful way.”

Join MSU for this first-generation community conversation

Event details

Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: Film screening at 7 p.m. — Panel discussion, 8:45 to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Plaster Student Union Theater  — 1110 E. Madison Avenue, Springfield, MO
Parking: Available in Lot 24 (access off National Ave, one block south of Grand Street) or Bear Park North parking garage next to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts — take MSU Shuttle to PSU.
Sponsored by: MSU’s College of Arts and Letters and the Office of the Provost