Introduction
The difficulties that low-income and first-generation university students encounter when navigating higher education are examined in Paul Tough’s piece “Who Gets to Graduate?”. A summer bridge program at the University of Texas and a psychological initiative that aids students in acquiring a “growth mindset” and overcoming self-doubt are some of the interventions intended to help students succeed (Tough). Ultimately, the article argues that more support is needed to ensure that low-income and first-generation college students have an equal opportunity to succeed in higher education.
Challenges for Low-Income and First-Generation College Students
Tough provides a compelling overview of the challenges that low-income and first-generation college students face in higher education. In comparison to their counterparts from higher-income homes, the author claims that these students have a lower likelihood of graduating from college and a larger chance of dropping out. This is due to a variety of factors, including financial constraints, lack of academic preparation, and a sense of not belonging in the college environment.
Interventions to Help Low-Income and First-Generation College Students Succeed
Tough highlights a number of initiatives and programs that have been effective in assisting low-income and first-generation college students to succeed. For example, the summer bridge program at the University of Texas at Austin provides students with a supportive community and additional academic support during their first year of college. The psychological intervention, which helps students develop a growth mindset and overcome self-doubt, has also been successful in increasing graduation rates for low-income and first-generation college students.
Conclusion
Overall, Tough’s article highlights the importance of supporting low-income and first-generation college students in higher education. By providing additional academic and financial support, as well as interventions that help students develop a growth mindset, colleges and universities can help to ensure that these students have an equal opportunity to succeed. This is not only important for individual students, but also for society as a whole, as a more educated and diverse workforce can lead to economic growth and innovation. Therefore, it is imperative that colleges and universities prioritize the needs of low-income and first-generation college students to ensure that they have an equal chance to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Reference
Tough, Paul. “Who Gets to Graduate?” The New York Times. Web.