Abstracts Category : Other

Exploring the acquisition of social capital among ethnically diverse first-generation upperclassmen at a public four year institution

by Ne'Shaun Jones

The purpose of this study is to explore how first-generation upperclassmen acquire social capital at a public four-year institution. There will be a thorough examination of the barriers and challenges first-generation students encounter while attending college and the influence or lack thereof social capital has upon their college experience and retention. Historically, first-generation students have lower academic performance, high attrition rates, low graduation rates and encounter many barriers while pursuing a bachelors degree than non first-generation students. Previous research is yielded notable key characteristics and educational barriers encountered by first-generation students such as lack of academic and financial support, lack of resources such as academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, faculty/staff relationships, programming and/or a nurturing environment that cultivates social and academic success. These identified barriers are significant factors in academic and success attainment. When first-generation students are provided with the appropriate social capital, the influence of resources, support services and financial support invigorates retention leading to obtaining a bachelors degree.Advisors/Committee Members: Smith, Dimitra Jackson (committee member), Webb-Hasan, Gwendolyn (committee member), Lesley, Mellinee (committee member), Louis, Dave (Committee Chair).