First-generation students make up nearly half of FRCC's population

Jun. 13—Jose Perez, a first-generation student at Front Range Community College, had a bit of a bumpy start on his way to get a degree.

After high school, he enrolled in a private four-year university but had to drop out due to cost. He then went into trades, and when that didn't work out, he enrolled at FRCC.

"I do find difficulty in not knowing who you can turn to, not having someone who knows what you've been through and not having that immediate support," Perez said.

Jose Perez looks for a book at the College Hill Library at Front Range Community College campus in Westminster on Monday. Perez is the first in his family to attend college. Nearly half of the student population at FRCC are first-generation college students. (Matthew Jonas ??

Once he enrolled in FRCC, he actively sought out support and got involved in any help or aid he could, including the TRIO program. TRIO support services is a federally funded program that provides support to students who are first generation, low-income or have a disability.

At all FRCC campuses combined, 46%, or nearly half, of students are first generation, and 77% of students are part time. Kaitlin Luna, director of TRIO student support services, said affordability, support, flexibility and location are some of the factors as to why FRCC attracts so many first-generation and part-time students.

"Most of our students, whether they're first gen or not, are working," Luna said.

Perez works two jobs to support himself while going to school part time. He said affordability was a big factor in choosing FRCC. While it's been difficult at times, Perez said his immigrant parents motivate him to stick with college.

"That's another reason why I'm here, or at least I'm giving it my all in class in college so hopefully I can give back to them as much as they helped me," Perez said. "Even if they can't achieve that American dream, I want to get them as close as possible."

Luna said many first-generation students, like Perez, are not only students. They also work, have family responsibilities or community responsibilities.

"A lot of first-generation students are not solely students," Luna said. "Their lives don't necessarily permit them to attend full time, and oftentimes that leads them to community college because it's a space where they can attend part time and not feel like they're outcasts or one of a few."

First-generation student Mandy Scanlon started at FRCC when she was 34 years old, a single mother with a young son and no stable living situation.

Scanlon said starting community college was "scary" and "overwhelming," especially because she didn't have a family to support her and has trouble asking for help.

"Going into anything blind is just so hard, and knowing you're going to have to ask for help and rely on other people is something I've really struggled with," Scanlon said, later adding, "Not having anyone to turn to that you trust on a family level, it's really difficult. You have to rely on people when you first start that are basically strangers."

Scanlon got involved in the TRIO program and was supported throughout her time at FRCC, and she said the support was so wonderful it was almost overwhelming. She became a TRIO peer mentor, graduated in May and is transferring to a four-year university to continue her education.

"They really try to build a community for these first-generation students so we can connect and build a community with people who understand our experiences," Scanlon said.

Luna said first-generation students contribute to a unique campus culture, one that prioritizes in-person learning and inclusivity. For example, first-generation students were the ones who asked for class registration times to be changed from midnight to 9 a.m. so people without internet and computers at home could still sign up for classes.

"Our first-generation population asks us or requests us as a staff to be more inclusive and equitable in our practices," Luna said. "We are more inclusive and equitable because of their contributions and their feedback."

Luna said she's inspired by FRCC's first-generation students and their resiliency. She said FRCC is a place where first-generation students can learn, grow and become prepared for the future.

"It's really a place where I think doors open for students," Luna said. "And we're helping prepare them for that next step so they can continue to carve out new paths and new opportunities."