Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

College Week: Preparing First-Generation Students for the Transition to Postsecondary Education

Marco A. Murillo

Frank C. Worrell

---

Abstract

Although more students are enrolling in and completing college, students from some groups (e.g., African American, Latinx, and low-income learners) continue to enroll in college at lower rates than their European American and higher income peers. In recent years, more attention has been given to preparing traditionally underserved students for college. In this Campus Note, we describe College Week, a program designed as a college-prep experience for high school seniors. Using 155 responses from 12th-grade students about their College Week experience, we sought to understand how first-generation college students interpret their college readiness at the end of high school and what they need to do to prepare for the transition to college. Two themes emerged from the analysis: (a) becoming independent and (b) developing navigational and network support. We conclude with broader implications for supporting first-generation students’ college transition.