Summer 2008 — Vol. 61, No. 3

FIRST students with President Barker, Justin Benoit, Brandy Moss, Nicole Crim and Juan Nieto

by Liz Newall

A new program at Clemson helps students who are scoring a first.

Casey is first. So is Anita. And Stephen, H.J., Maribeth, Benjamin.

In fact, President Jim Barker is first, too. They’re all first in their families to go to a four-year college.

This year, from 10 percent to 14 percent of Clemson’s incoming freshman class is made of first-generation college students. The challenges they face will be a little steeper than those of students who grew up in homes where they had parents who could guide them through college.

Finding and keeping financial aid, maintaining good grades and social networking are critical needs for all students, but especially for those who are first generation.

Clemson is addressing those needs through the new FIRST Program.

Thanks to a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, excellent staff and experienced mentors, Clemson’s first-generation students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math have a variety of services and support specifically tailored for them.

“The FIRST Program provides a home away from home for first-generation students,” says Sherry Dorris, program coordinator. “It gives them opportunities to interact with first-generation faculty, staff and student mentors who will guide them toward reaching their full potential.”

Essential to FIRST’s success are its “proactive” mentors. These first-generation upperclassmen stay in contact with their freshmen throughout the summer and academic year, meeting frequently and serving as a close connection to the coordinator.

Incoming first-generation students can attend the FIRST Summer Preview free of charge. They can stay on campus for a three-week summer course designed to improve their critical-thinking, problem-solving and mathematical skills. Additional activities provide study skills and introduce students to the campus, faculty and student services.

Throughout their Clemson experience, FIRST students have seminars, workshops, social events, field trips, newsletters, free tutoring and a designated lounge to meet with mentors, study and network.

They can also gain research and teaching skills through the S.C. DNA Learning Center at Clemson. As they become upperclassmen, FIRST students can participate in the undergraduate research program through Clemson’s SC LIFE Project sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Just completing its second full year, the FIRST Program is already proving successful for participating students through higher GPAs and greater retention.

A generous grant from the NSF Science Talent Expansion Program currently funds FIRST. Because the NSF grant is intended to increase the number of students graduating in science, technology, engineering and math, it applies to majors in Clemson’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and College of Engineering and Science.

Program leaders have begun looking for ways to support FIRST when the NSF grant runs out in two short years. And, they want to be able to offer its services to all Clemson first-generation students in all majors.

“Students who are the first in their families to attend college may not realize how special they are,” says Barbara Speziale, associate dean of Summer Programs and Academic Outreach, and director of the NSF grant.

“They have not only the intelligence and drive to get into college, but also the courage to achieve a milestone for their family. At Clemson, we want to do everything we can to help them succeed.”

For more information about FIRST, go to www.clemson.edu/ugs/first or contact Sherry Dorris at first@clemson.edu or (864) 656-1674.

What you can do

To support FIRST, you can make a secure online gift at www.clemson.edu/isupportcu or contact the Clemson Fund office at (864) 656-5896.