Partners for First-Generation-to-College success

Rebecca C. Bell
Dean, Community Relations & Special Events

For many individuals, there is no question as to whether or not they will enroll in higher education beyond high school—obtaining a college degree has been instilled in them since they were infants. Such students typically have parents who are college educated and who view post-secondary education simply as the next logical, expected and desired stage in the passage toward personal and career achievement.

For others, enrollment represents a deliberate attempt to improve their social, economic and occupational standing. Many of these students are the first members of their families to enroll in any education beyond high school. For these “first-generation students,” post-secondary education offers both opportunity and risk, since it represents a departure from family traditions.

On Saturday, April 21, approximately 1,500 people attended MC’s first See MC/Sí, MC event. The free event, targeted for potential First-Generation-to-College (FGTC) students, consisted of college information, music, fun and food for all ages.

“The See MC event represented a welcome mat to a segment of the community that typically does not visit our campus,” said Director of Community Services Alfredo Chaparro, who served as event coordinator. “While our major emphasis was targeted to school-aged students so that they could see the benefits of attending college, we also realize that many of their parents are potential college students. So, we were delighted when we saw that many parents accompanied their children to the event. It was definitely a family event.”

Midland College is dedicated to encouraging higher education participation by FGTC families. During the fall 2011 semester, 1,483 FGTC students attended Midland College, and during the spring 2012 semester, there were 1,392 FGTC students attending. See MC/Sí, MC offered an opportunity for the Midland community to tour the campus and find out about college admissions, financial aid and instructional programs.

MC President Dr. Steve Thomas noted, “Midland College does events well, but not all components of our community participate in our events. The See MC/Sí, MC eventhad somewhat of a different taste and feel, as it brought a strategically important population to campus. The event was a successful major outreach effort for Midland College to recruit first-generation-to-college families.”

During the April 21 event, a contest was held among MISD Title I schools to see which school could have the most participation at the event—this included students, parents and faculty/staff. South Elementary won the contest, and will receive a $500 check to go toward school uniforms andsupplies.

Liz Zenteno, associate director of MC’s Cogdell Learning Center, said, “South Elementary and MC partner in a great many projects. The close proximity of South to the Cogdell Learning Center allows us to accommodate families with some of our services, such as GED classes, English as a Second Language classes and basic computer classes. Midland College has also participated in a number of South Elementary School events promoting attending college. While we know that these families feel comfortable at Codgell, we were also thrilled that they participated in the See MC/Sí, MC day at the main campus. Congratulations to South Elementary for winning the contest. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership!”