Publication Date

Spring 5-24-2024

Document Type

Action research project: Open access

Degree Name

MA Higher Education Leadership

Department

Leadership Studies

Abstract

First-generation students of color overcome many barriers when attending college by finding institutional resources to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. However, students often feel these resources are scarce at Predominantly White Institutions (PWI). Thus, I created a coaching program focused on community building, academic strategies, and mentorship to connect students to campus resources, improve well-being, and lead to high academic achievement. Peer-to-peer coaches for first-generation students of color often find it challenging to coach students from different backgrounds and ethnicities. This is due to the power or cultural dynamics, gender differences, and fears of the unknown they might encounter when coaching first-generation students of color in distress. This study explores the relationship between first-generation students of color and the Center for Student Success peer-to-peer coaching program by examining how coaches and first-generation students of color interact and understanding relationship dynamics and the need for community building to promote academic success.

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