Skip to Main Content

First-Generation College Student Resource Guide

Library, SCC, and external resources for first-generation college students and the faculty who work with them.

Library Resources

At the library, we have many helpful resources available to you as an SCC student, including:

  • Laptop Loaner Program (effective Fall 2024, now available through the circulation desk at the library)
  • Study rooms and spaces throughout the library
  • Computers (Mac & PC)
  • Free printing ($2/month)
  • Research assistance (go to the GET HELP section for more information on how to get help from a Librarian)
  • Citation help (MLA, APA, and more)
  • Workshops (via Canvas) with topics including:
    • Using the Library Databases / Finding Articles
    • Creating Citations in MLA
    • Creating Citations in APA

Articles in SCC Library Databases

To find more articles, you can use keywords like these to search the library databases:

Core Keywords

  1. First-generation college students
  2. First-generation university students
  3. First in family college students
  4. Underrepresented college students

Then, if you are focusing on a particular element of the first-generation college experience in your research, you can add the following keywords to "first-generation college students"

Challenges and Validation

  • Barriers OR challenges 
  • College persistence OR retention 
  • Academic support 
  • Mental health OR stress 

Support and Success Factors

  • Mentorship 
  • College success OR academic success 
  • Campus resources 
  • Financial aid 
  • Student support programs OR TRIO programs

Sociological Impact

  • Social mobility 
  • Family expectations 
  • Social capital OR cultural capital 
  • Higher education AND social class OR socioeconomic status
  • Identity development 

Books at SCC Library

Check out our curated reading lists:

Here are a few books to add to your TBR: