In this session at the 44th Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience, Ithaka S+R’s Ifeatu Oliobi will join the Kessler Scholars Collaborative’s Kristen Glasener to present findings from a multi-institutional, mixed methods study that examines how participation in a comprehensive, cohort-based support program influences success outcomes for first-generation, limited-income (FGLI) students. We explore students’ experiences in the Kessler Scholars Program, which supports FGLI college students at 16 institutions through financial aid and robust, evidence-informed programming. Drawing on surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews with campus program leaders, this study explores the influence of pre-enrollment summer transition programs, peer mentoring, and first-year seminars on students’ sense of belonging, feelings of mattering, and perceptions of preparedness in their first year of college.

The session is scheduled to take place on February 18 at 5:15pm-6:15pm CST.