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As a senior at Blackfoot High School, Adrian Chavez first learned that many of his college science classes would be accompanied by a hands-on lab. Now as a University of Idaho senior, Chavez craves more and more time in the lab as he heads toward graduate work in the medical field.
As a first-generation college student, Chavez still encounters challenges that legacy students often don’t consider. But support from U of I staff and mentorship from faculty members stoked his talent and he plans to graduate in the spring with a bright future in front of him.
“I definitely think I’ve had an influence on my family and my community back in Blackfoot,” said Chavez, whose road to success included multiple first-gen initiatives, including McNair Scholars, Upward Bound Math Science and the College Assistance Migrant Program. “They’ve seen my hard work and what I’ve done academically. They’ve seen me really improve and they see that college can be a reality for them as well.”
The First Gen Forward Network added the U of I this year, recognizing the university’s support for first-gen students like Chavez and thousands of others. The university has served first-generation students since the 1960’s, when the U of I received one of the first Upward Bound grants from the Department of Education. Last week, the U of I celebrated First Gen Day on campus and the university continues to incorporate programs that elevate students from all backgrounds.
“The first-generation college student population is becoming more important for us,” said Scott Clyde, executive director for TRIO-INSPIRE programs in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. “Working with first-gen, limited-income students is at the core of the work we do and the university has supported that work. Being a part of this national network provides a community of institutions working toward the same vision.”
National statistics from 2020 show that 54% of undergraduates had parents who did not have a bachelor’s degree. On average, first-generation students’ median family income was less than half of continuing-generation students’ families.
As part of the First Gen Forward Network, the U of I ultimately aims to boost graduation rates for first-gen students.
“There is terminology and language in college that a first-gen student often isn’t familiar with,” said Clyde. “We help students access the gatekeepers, deal with the technological requirements and break down the jargon at the university. We also do a lot of community building and getting students connected with mentoring.”
Along with Clyde and McNair Director Leanna Dann, Chavez said chemistry Professor Patrick Hrdlicka and biological sciences Professor Paul Rowley provide encouragement and inspiration as he wades into tough academic challenges.
“There are a lot of people at the U of I that have been great resources,” Chavez said.
As Idaho’s land-grant university, serving first-generation students lies at the heart of our mission. We’re proud to elevate and illuminate these students, who go on to lift their families and communities throughout our state.
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