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Published
2025-12-04
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Feature Articles
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jasmin Llamas, Giselle Laiduc, Erin Kimura-Walsh
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Copyright of all articles published in JCOTR belong to the author(s) and are published under a CC BY-NC license.
How to Cite
LEADing an educational and social movement for first-generation college students
A mixed methods investigation of a first-generation college student scholars program
Jasmin Llamas
Santa Clara University
Giselle Laiduc
Santa Clara University
Erin Kimura-Walsh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v32i2.6422
Keywords: high impact practices, first-generation, college adjustment, college transition
Abstract
First-generation college students face numerous challenges that can impact academic success and are less likely to participate in the “Big 6” high impact college experiences. This retrospective mixed-methods study examines the impact of a first-generation college support program, the LEAD Scholars program. Comparing LEAD alumni (n = 88) with a national sample (n = 29,560), alumni were more likely to participate in nearly all Gallup-Purdue Big 6 high-impact practices. Follow-up interviews with alumni (n=5) identified key impactful experiences (e.g., awareness building, peer support, professor support) as well as areas for improvement (e.g., expanding career and emotional support).
