First generation college students will have plenty of help making the transition this year, thanks to a program at Augustana College. For the second year, the "Augie 1st Gen Rising Scholar Program" will proivide scholarships to students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Kristin Douglas is Associate Dean at Augustana.
"I think it helps students who are first generation to see they are not alone. There are many faculty, many staff members. many administrators who walked in their shoes as well, and know what it's like and are there to help."
These students will attend special group sessions to learn study skills, and learn how to ease the transition home during breaks.
"The idea is to be able to open communication between students in the program, and whoever is presenting material that particular day. And also helping students in the program understand who are [the] resources on campus."
This year’s freshman class at Augustana includes 173 first generation students. Last year, over 50 students enrolled in the Rising Scholar Program.