(May 12, 2007 - Littleton, Colo.) In August 2006, Arapahoe Community College launched a new scholarship program to help students who are first generation college students to access and be successful in higher education. A first generation college student is the first person in their immediate family to attend college. Since their parents did not go to college, they may be at a disadvantage when it comes to emotional and financial support. Consequently, they often need some added support from college staff and faculty to help them successfully navigate higher education. On May 7, the 32 students who were the first recipients of ACC's "First Generation Scholarship," completed their first year in the program.

“I think this first year was extremely successful,” commented ACC Director of Advising Dorado Kinney regarding the academic success of the scholarship recipients. “A few students actually earned straight As, over half the students earned a B or better grade point average and the rest earned Cs or better.”

The First Generation Scholarship pays for a student’s tuition up to $1,600 per year for full time enrollment for up to two years. Criteria to be eligible to apply for the scholarship include being a high school graduate with a 2.25 cumulative grade point average or a GED recipient. The student must also be a Colorado resident, eligible for in-state tuition and meet minimum score requirements on the ACT test or an ACC placement test. Neither of the student’s parents could have earned a bachelor’s degree, and the student must qualify for financial aid as determined by the ACC Financial Aid Office.

Studies show that first generation students often have difficulty making the transition from high school to college. ACC Dean of Student Services, Connie Simpson, is well aware of some of the issues impacting the success of these students. Consequently, she was instrumental with incorporating specific resources into the First Generation Scholarship program to encourage college success. This included the selection of Marcia Caldwell to be the program’s student advisor based on her work with at-risk populations in the past.

Caldwell attributes the success of the students to a couple of procedures that were put into place at the beginning. “The students made their education a priority and attended class regularly. I feel it was also very important to have continued contact with the students in group and individual meetings to identify academic concerns early and provide resources for students to deal with those concerns.” Caldwell met with students through their participation in a course entitled “AAA 101: The Freshman Experience,” in addition to individual sessions she conducted with them offering advising and counseling. The students were also paired with a faculty advisor and encouraged to use resources available at ACC including the Peer Mentoring and Tutoring Center.

“To be the first person in my family to graduate college is a huge accomplishment not only for myself but my family,” commented scholarship recipient Andrew Garcia. Garcia spoke about the significance of receiving the financial assistance at the ACC Foundation’s April 4 scholarship recognition luncheon and the College’s May 12 commencement ceremony. “The support system I found pursuing my Associate’s degree at ACC was family-like and I will truly miss those who helped me when I transfer to CU-Denver this fall to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Sociology.” Garcia plans to apply his education toward a career with a law enforcement agency.”

“ACC is proud of the accomplishments of these students and is looking forward to awarding additional scholarships for the 2007-08 school year,” remarks Simpson. “We encourage prospective students for this program to visit the ACC Web site at www.arapahoe.edu or to contact Howard Fukaye in the High School Relations Office at 303.797.5622 for more information.” While ACC is no longer accepting applications for the 2007-08 program, upcoming high school seniors who would like to be a part of the 2008-09 program are encouraged to contact the college.

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